Taraba: UNIMAID Alumni Begin Chapter Rebuild, Set Election Timeline
From Hilary John
The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) Alumni Association, Taraba State Chapter, has held its 2026 Congress and New Year Reunion Dinner to revive the chapter and strengthen ties among members.
The association aims to promote unity, mutual support and welfare among its members.
It is also providing assistance to members during difficult times, including support for those who lost loved ones.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Steering Committee, Hon. Justice John Danladi Yakubu, said the gathering was deliberate and timely, noting that the University of Maiduguri has produced graduates who have contributed significantly to different fields of human endeavour.
Justice John Danladi Yakubu
He explained that the caretaker committee was constituted to oversee the revitalisation of the Taraba State Chapter and thanked members for their cooperation, enthusiasm and commitment.
Justice Yakubu recalled that the caretaker committee was given a three-month mandate to conduct elections for new officials but explained that this was not achieved within the stipulated period due to the directives of the then National Caretaker Committee.
He said the congress would agree on a clear and acceptable timeline for the election of new executives, in line with directives from the national body of the association which would be inaugurated soon.
He urged members to remain committed and to make meaningful contributions that would further strengthen unity and mutual respect within the association.
Reflecting on the past, Justice Yakubu lamented the decline in government support for students in tertiary institutions.
He recalled a time when students enjoyed scholarships and full government sponsorship, noting that current realities have shifted the burden largely to parents.
He attributed the situation to factors such as population growth, mismanagement and corruption, adding that the country still has the capacity to adequately support students if properly managed.
He also identified challenges facing higher institutions, including selfishness among some administrators and compromises in standards.
He stressed the importance of alumni participation, noting that registered members stand to benefit more and contribute effectively to the growth of the association.
Also speaking, Mr. Jerry Oliver, Secretary of the Transition Committee described alumni associations as vital platforms for graduates to come together to support their universities and themselves.
Rtn Jerry Oliver
He said strong alumni networks can help members access job opportunities, scholarships and personal development, urging UNIMAID graduates to actively identify with the association.
In his goodwill message, the Head of the Taraba State Civil Service, Dr. Hamidu Ahmed Kara, encouraged members to work together to build a strong alumni association that would stand out in the North-East.
Dr Hamidu Ahmed Kara
The communiqué from the association’s 2024 extraordinary congress was also read and adopted by members at the meeting.
