UNIMAID Geography Department Receives High-Tech Equipment and 180 Textbooks from Alumni

The Department of Geography at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has received a technological and academic boost following the presentation of state-of-the-art equipment and textbook donations by its alumni as part of efforts to give back to their alma mater. 

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Central Administration, Professor Babagana Bako, described the donations as a historic milestone that highlights the enduring impact of the department. 

He lauded the Class of 1999/2000 and Dr. Maria James Tada as exemplary ambassadors of the university, noting that their success in their respective careers has translated into tangible benefits for their alma mater. Professor Bako specifically praised Dr. Tada for her generosity as a scholar, emphasizing that sharing her intellect through her textbook is a timeless gift that will impact the current generation and generations yet unborn.

The Vice-Chancellor's representative noted that the continuous return of alumni to support the institution is a direct reflection of the excellent work, dedication, and solid foundations laid by the staff and past leaders of the Geography Department. He stated that the high standard of training provided by the department is what gives the graduates the confidence and pride to look back and pull up the younger ones. He noted that the discipline of Geography holds a unique position in society, as its scholars possess the vital capability to map out realities, understand the world, and command respect across global developmental landscapes. Professor Bako assured the donors that the university management fully appreciates the interventions and remains committed to providing an enabling environment for academic growth.

At the peak of the event, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babagana Bako, formally handed over an award of recognition to Dr. Maria James Tada in deep appreciation of her generous donation and other valuable intellectual property contributions to the development of the department.

Adding weight to the ceremony, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri and a senior faculty member within the geography department, Professor Mala Daura, commended the intervention, noting that the donated assets would significantly elevate the academic atmosphere. He stated that providing modern equipment aligns perfectly with ongoing efforts to scale up the department's research capacity and help both staff and postgraduate scholars feel more supported in their academic pursuits. Professor Daura described the gesture as a direct challenge to other graduating sets, urging older and younger alumni associations to emulate the Class of 1999/2000. He emphasized that the department, which is now well over fifty years old, must remain forward-thinking and proactive. To further drive this transformation, the former Vice-Chancellor challenged the department and its alumni to look into establishing a fully functional, modern weather station to address contemporary meteorological and climate challenges.

Speaking earlier, the Head of Department, Professor John Abdullahi, expressed profound gratitude to the university management, senior faculty, and the returning graduates, describing the gesture as a definitive testament to the power of alumni collaborations in advancing academic excellence. Professor Abdullahi revealed that upon assuming office as HOD on June 24, 2025, he received a delegation from the Geography Alumni Class of 1999/2000 on a congratulatory visit. During the interface, the HOD highlighted critical infrastructural bottlenecks impeding the department. 

He further explained that with Geography recently becoming an optional subject in secondary schools, undergraduate enrollment in the B.Sc. Geography program had experienced a noticeable decline. In response, the department strategically shifted its focus toward aggressive expansion and strengthening of its Postgraduate programs. 

According to the HOD, the Class of 1999/2000 responded swiftly and generously to these identified needs by facilitating these contributions, alongside the 180 copies of a specialized textbook authored and donated by Dr. Maria James Tada. Some of the equipment being donated includes a 72-inch smart TV, a high-performance HP laptop computer, a model public address (PA) system, and a high-resolution projector, alongside a robust fiber-optic internet facility to be installed soon to provide seamless connectivity across both the Department of Geography and the Center for Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies.

Sharing her motivation, Dr. Maria James Tada expressed immense gratitude for the inspiration and guidance she received from senior academic mentors within the department, particularly acknowledging the foundation laid by senior faculty members such as Professor Mala Daura and Professor Ibrahim Waziri. She explained that her passion for writing the textbook grew out of a deep understanding of the academic difficulties students experience, noting that during her own student days in 1991, many scholars struggled heavily with practical geographical concepts like map reading. 

Dr. Tada stated that her primary objective in authoring and donating the books was to simplify the subject, improve the academic experience for geography students, and provide accessible learning materials. She admitted that she had initially hoped to keep the contribution quiet and low-profile, but praised the HOD for organizing the reception to set a positive example of collective responsibility."