The University of Maiduguri Alumni Association has commended President Bola Tinubu, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum and his Adamawa State counterpart, Ahmadu Fintiri, for their contributions to the development of the university.

The chairman of the occasion at the inauguration of the newly elected executives of the association’s Borno State chapter, Prof. Shehu Liberty, gave the commendation on Tuesday in Maiduguri.

The inauguration, organised by the Global Secretariat of the association, was held at El-Kanemi Hall, University of Maiduguri, in the presence of alumni members from across the state.

Mr Liberty described the occasion as historic, noting that it followed the first national-level election of the association in more than 50 years.

He commended the Global President of the association and the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mele Laminu, for their roles in strengthening the alumni body.

The chairman also highlighted the contributions of governments and individuals to the university, saying such support was particularly important at a time when universities were being encouraged to explore additional sources of funding.

Mr Liberty specifically recalled the visit of Mr Fintiri to the Department of History, University of Maiduguri, during his stay in Maiduguri for the North-East Governors’ Forum meeting.

He said the Adamawa State governor donated N150 million to lecturers in the department and N20 million to students.

He also acknowledged the contributions of Messrs Tinubu and Zulum to the development of the university, saying alumni members would continue to seek ways of supporting their alma mater.

The Global President, Baba Shettima Kukawa, commended stakeholders who contributed to the successful conduct of the association’s election.

Mr Kukawa, who spoke on “Building a Strong Alumni Network: The Role of Chapters in Advancing the University of Maiduguri and its Alumni,” pledged the global leadership’s continued support to the Borno State chapter.

He urged the new executives to carry members along and work collectively toward advancing the interests of the university and its alumni.

The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Borno State chapter, Dr Usman Ali Busuguma, thanked members, friends and family for their support.

Mr Busuguma pledged his commitment to the association and appealed for the cooperation of members of the executive council in piloting its affairs.

(NAN)