The Department of Geography at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has received a major academic and technological boost following the donation of modern equipment and 180 specialized textbooks by members of its alumni community.
The donations, spearheaded by the Geography Class of 1999/2000 and renowned scholar Dr. Maria James Tada, were presented as part of efforts to support teaching, research and postgraduate studies within the department.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Central Administration), Professor Babagana Bako, described the intervention as a landmark achievement that reflects the lasting impact of the department on its graduates.
Professor Bako commended the Class of 1999/2000 and Dr. Tada for demonstrating exceptional commitment to their alma mater. He noted that their professional success and willingness to give back serve as an inspiration to current students and future generations.
He particularly praised Dr. Tada for donating copies of her textbook, describing the gesture as a timeless intellectual contribution that would continue to benefit geography students for years to come.
According to him, the continuous support from alumni is a testament to the quality of training, mentorship and leadership that have characterized the Geography Department over the decades.
“The confidence and pride with which these graduates return to support the department is evidence of the strong academic foundation laid by their teachers and predecessors,” he said.
Professor Bako emphasized the strategic importance of Geography as a discipline, noting that geographers play a vital role in understanding environmental realities, mapping development trends and addressing global challenges. He assured the donors that the university management appreciates the intervention and remains committed to providing an enabling environment for academic excellence.
At the event, Professor Bako formally presented an award of recognition to Dr. Maria James Tada in appreciation of her generous donation and intellectual contributions to the development of the department.
Also speaking, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri and senior academic in the department, Professor Mala Daura, applauded the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening research and learning.
He noted that the donated facilities would improve the academic environment and support postgraduate scholars and researchers. Professor Daura also challenged other graduating classes to emulate the Class of 1999/2000 by investing in the growth of the department.
Highlighting future aspirations, he called for the establishment of a modern weather station within the department to enhance meteorological research and address emerging climate-related challenges.
Earlier, the Head of Department, Professor John Abdullahi, expressed appreciation to the university management, alumni and faculty members for their support.
He revealed that shortly after assuming office on June 24, 2025, he received a delegation from the Geography Alumni Class of 1999/2000. During discussions, he highlighted key infrastructural and academic challenges facing the department.
Professor Abdullahi explained that the decision to strengthen postgraduate programmes became necessary following a decline in undergraduate enrolment after Geography was made an optional subject in secondary schools.
According to him, the alumni responded promptly by providing critical facilities needed to enhance teaching and research activities.
The donated items include a 72-inch smart television, a high-performance HP laptop computer, a modern public address system and a high-resolution projector. The alumni group also pledged the installation of a fibre-optic internet facility that will provide seamless connectivity for both the Department of Geography and the Centre for Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies.
Speaking on her motivation for the donation, Dr. Maria James Tada credited her academic success to the mentorship she received from senior scholars within the department, including Professor Mala Daura and Professor Ibrahim Waziri.
She explained that her textbook was inspired by the academic difficulties many students face, particularly in understanding practical geographical concepts such as map reading.
Dr. Tada said her goal was to simplify learning, improve students’ academic experience and make quality educational resources more accessible.
She added that although she initially preferred a quiet donation, the recognition ceremony organized by the department would encourage a culture of collective responsibility and alumni engagement.
The event highlighted the growing role of alumni contributions in strengthening higher education institutions and advancing academic excellence through partnerships, mentorship and strategic investments in learning infrastructure.
