The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), one of Nigeria’s most resilient and renowned institutions of higher learning, has officially announced the date for its 25th Combined Convocation Ceremony, which will also mark the university’s Golden Jubilee Celebration. This major announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Office of the Registrar on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
According to the statement, the grand ceremony has been scheduled to hold on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the famous Convocation Square within the university premises. This year’s convocation is particularly significant as it brings together graduates from three academic sessions: 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2023/2024, covering both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The combination of multiple cohorts, alongside the celebration of the university’s 50th anniversary, promises to make this event one of the most memorable in the institution’s history.
A Landmark Celebration of Achievement and Heritage
The University of Maiduguri was established in 1975 with a clear vision to drive educational development, research, and national service, particularly in the northeastern region of Nigeria. Over the past five decades, the institution has grown remarkably into a globally recognized centre for academic excellence. Its Golden Jubilee marks not only a milestone in the institution’s existence but also a celebration of resilience, innovation, and its contributions to national growth.
The 25th Combined Convocation Ceremony therefore represents more than an academic ritual—it is a celebration of triumph despite challenges, including socio-economic difficulties and regional security concerns. The university has continued to uphold its mandate, offering high-quality education and producing graduates who have gone on to excel in various fields across the world.
As such, this year’s ceremony is expected to attract a wide range of dignitaries, including government officials, distinguished academics, members of the university community, alumni, and families of the graduating students. The Golden Jubilee Celebration will also shine a spotlight on the legacy of UNIMAID and its impact on Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Convocation Activities and Preparations
In preparation for this major event, the university has outlined important steps that graduating students must follow to participate fully in the ceremony.
One of the key directives in the Registrar’s announcement is that all graduating students are required to collect their academic gowns from their respective Colleges and Faculties. This distribution will commence on Monday, November 17, 2025, giving graduates sufficient time to prepare and ensure they are fully kitted for the convocation.
To obtain their academic gowns, students must make a non-refundable payment of ₦2,000 at the UNIMAID Microfinance Bank, after which they can proceed to their faculty or college for collection. The academic gown is a significant symbol of scholarship and achievement, and the university emphasizes that all graduates must be properly dressed for the ceremony.
The Registrar’s office also urged graduates to adhere strictly to the schedule for gown collection, noting that late pickups may cause congestion and logistical issues. Graduates are encouraged to keep their payment receipts safe, as they will be required during the gown collection and possibly upon the return of the gown after the ceremony.
Celebrating Three Academic Cohorts: A Combined Convocation
The decision to combine graduates from three academic sessions—2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2023/2024—underscores the university’s dedication to recognizing every student’s academic journey, especially following years of academic disruptions in the country caused by strikes, economic challenges, and other national issues.
This combined convocation will award degrees, diplomas, and certificates across various levels, including Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, Doctoral degrees, and professional qualifications. The ceremony will also allow the university to officially celebrate the achievements of students who completed their studies during periods when convocation ceremonies could not be held due to administrative or nationwide constraints.
As a result, the event is expected to witness a very large turnout of graduates and their families. The university management has made comprehensive logistical arrangements to accommodate the influx of attendees, including enhanced security, crowd control measures, medical services, and transportation guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful ceremony.
Golden Jubilee: Honouring 50 Years of Growth and Excellence
Marking 50 years since its establishment, the University of Maiduguri’s Golden Jubilee Celebration is set to be a highlight of the convocation ceremony. This historic milestone offers the university an opportunity to reflect on its past, celebrate its present achievements, and set a clear vision for the future.
UNIMAID has played a fundamental role in advancing education in fields such as:
Medicine and Health Sciences
Law
Engineering
Agriculture
Arts and Humanities
Social Sciences
Management Sciences
Veterinary Medicine
Environmental Studies
And many more…
Over the years, the university has produced thousands of graduates who have distinguished themselves in Nigeria and beyond. Many have risen to positions of leadership in government, academia, the private sector, and international organizations. The Golden Jubilee therefore stands as a celebration of the collective achievements of its students, staff, alumni, and partners.
As part of the Golden Jubilee events, the university is expected to highlight its major milestones, honour past leaders, and unveil new visions and strategic developments for the future of the institution.
Message from the Registrar and University Management
In the official release, the Registrar encouraged all graduating students to participate fully in the convocation and Jubilee celebration. He emphasized that the event is not only a celebration of individual academic success but also a collective recognition of the university’s enduring legacy.
The Registrar also urged members of the university community—including academic and non-academic staff—to join in making the event a memorable and successful one. He noted that the Golden Jubilee offers a unique opportunity for the university to reflect on its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to academic excellence, research, and national development.
Furthermore, the university management expressed gratitude to staff, students, alumni, and the wider Nigerian society for their continued support over the years. They reiterated their unwavering commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and innovative learning environment for future generations.
A Call to Celebrate
The University of Maiduguri’s 25th Combined Convocation and Golden Jubilee Celebration stands as one of the most significant events in the institution’s history. It brings together the past, present, and future of an institution that has consistently remained a pillar of learning in Nigeria.
All graduates, parents, guardians, staff, students, and friends of the university are hereby invited to join in this historic celebration. The event promises to be colourful, dignified, and filled with moments of pride, reflection, and joy.
As the University of Maiduguri marks 50 years of educational impact and prepares to graduate thousands of students from across three academic sessions, the celebration symbolizes resilience, continuity, and growth—values that have defined UNIMAID since its inception.
The university looks forward to welcoming everyone on Friday, November 28, 2025, as it celebrates not only its graduates but also its remarkable journey over the past five decades.
