TETFund Delegation Assesses University of Maiduguri’s Centre of Excellence in Arid Zone Research

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, hosted a high-level delegation from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) at the Muhammadu Buhari Senate Building on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The delegation, led by Professor Umar Buba Bindir, conducted a strategic assessment visit to the University’s Centre of Excellence in Arid Zone Research. The visit was designed to review operational frameworks, engage with management and staff, and identify pathways to enhance the centre's sustainability and societal impact.

Receiving the team on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Services), Professor Mohammed Ahmed Waziri, expressed profound appreciation for TETFund’s consistent investment in research and infrastructure. He reaffirmed the University's dedication to academic excellence, stating that the institution remains committed to translating research into practical solutions for regional and national challenges.

During the engagement, the delegation emphasized that the visit was a supportive exercise rather than a formal audit. Professor Bindir noted that while TETFund has historically focused on physical infrastructure and staff training, its current mandate has evolved to prioritize impact-oriented research that aligns with national development goals.

The assessment concluded with a focus on identifying operational bottlenecks and providing recommendations to ensure the Centre of Excellence remains a hub for innovation and specialized research in arid zone studies.