UNIMAID Dean of Student Affairs Highlights Welfare, Security, and Campus Challenges

In an exclusive interview with the UNIMAID Bulletin IT student, Zainab Haruna, on December 31, 2025, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Ahmadu Mohammed Bruno, provided insights into the University of Maiduguri’s initiatives on students’ welfare, security, accommodation, sanitation, and discipline, as well as the challenges confronting students on and off campus.

Professor Bruno explained that his office is responsible for ensuring the overall well-being, safety, and social experience of students. To address student concerns, the University has established multiple channels, including hall officers for hostel residents, a Student Relations Officer, and a dedicated desk officer for student clubs and associations. Complex issues are escalated through the University’s security system and, where necessary, in collaboration with town and state security agencies.

On student sensitization, he highlighted programs aimed at preventing harassment, bullying, cultism, and drug abuse. These initiatives include billboards, banners, advocacy campaigns by approved student groups, departmental advisers, student unions, and orientation programs for newly admitted students to ensure understanding of campus rules and regulations.

Regarding accommodation, Professor Bruno acknowledged the University’s limitations, noting 13,000 hostel beds for approximately 60,000 students. To mitigate this shortfall, the University partners with private investors to provide off-campus housing options.

The Dean identified drug abuse as the most pressing challenge for students, linking it to other vices such as theft, prostitution, and criminal activity. UNIMAID addresses this issue through intelligence gathering, security raids, collaboration with external agencies, and ongoing educational campaigns.

On security, Professor Bruno emphasized that the University prioritizes student safety by deploying internal security operatives and maintaining close collaboration with the police, DSS, and military. Students are encouraged to carry identification cards at all times, while the Dean’s office remains a first point of contact for emergencies, including hospital visits and interventions with security agencies.

Sanitation and cleanliness in student hostels are maintained through a combination of outsourced services from three major companies and the University’s own sanitation unit, which handles fumigation, pest control, and routine cleaning to ensure a healthy living environment.

Professor Bruno described students as the core of UNIMAID and partners in institutional progress, reaffirming his office’s commitment to work closely with student unions and representatives to address concerns and enhance welfare, recognizing that comfort and needs may vary among individuals.

The Dean concluded by assuring students that the University remains steadfast in its efforts to improve welfare, security, and living conditions, reinforcing the message that student well-being is central to UNIMAID’s mission.