CIFCFIN Seeks Partnership with UNIMAID to Advance Forensic Science

The Borno State Coordinator of the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria, CIFCFIN, Yarima Modu, has expressed the institute’s interest in partnering with the University of Maiduguri to support the development of its newly introduced Forensic Science degree programme.

Making the remarks during a courtesy visit on Monday, August 24, 2026, Modu congratulated the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, on what he described as a landmark and visionary initiative. He stated that the introduction of Forensic Science is highly timely, particularly at a period when security, criminal justice, fraud investigation, and evidence-based policing remain critical to national development. According to him, the programme will help produce the next generation of forensic experts urgently needed by Nigeria, particularly in the Northeast region.

Modu commended the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership in approving the programme, noting that it reflects the university’s commitment to academic excellence, relevance, and responsiveness to societal needs. He said the institute is proud to identify with the initiative, expressing belief that the programme will enhance research and capacity building, and strengthen collaboration between academia, law enforcement, and the justice system.

He explained that the institute remains committed to combating corruption and financial crime, promoting professional development and training, advancing forensic science and forensic auditing, promoting accountability and transparency, and upholding the highest ethical and professional standards.

Consequently, he disclosed that the institute is seeking robust collaboration with the university in areas such as curriculum development, practical training, joint research, conferences and workshops, student internships, professional certification pathways, and the provision of technical expertise and resources.

Responding to the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, expressed appreciation to the institute for identifying with the university’s initiative and for showing interest in supporting the new programme.

Professor Mele stated that the University of Maiduguri looks forward to collaborating with the professional body, noting that such an alliance would provide an essential link between academic knowledge and professional practice. He emphasised that the study of Forensic Science cannot be limited to the classroom, and stressed the importance of practical training, professional exposure, intensive research, and engagement with relevant institutions and seasoned practitioners.

The Vice-Chancellor further noted that collaboration with a professional body of this caliber would create opportunities for students and staff to benefit from practical knowledge, professional training, joint research, workshops, conferences, and other capacity-building initiatives. He expressed confidence that the partnership, once established, would strengthen the university’s Forensic Science programme and prepare graduates with the knowledge and practical skills required to contribute to criminal justice, security, fraud investigation, and other areas of national development.

Professor Mele welcomed the institute’s willingness to support the university’s developmental efforts, and reaffirmed that the institution remains open to partnerships that advance academic excellence and address pressing societal needs.

Re-echoing the optimism, Modu expressed confidence that the alliance would position the University of Maiduguri as a leading centre for forensic science in West Africa, bridging the gap between academia and professional institutions while providing students with practical exposure for their professional development.