UNIMAID VC Receives Community Health Practitioners; Backs Proposal for New B.Sc. Programme

The Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, received a delegation from the Association of Community Health Practitioners, Borno State Chapter, led by the Chairman of the association, Mr. Mohammed Baba Aji on Wednesday, 21st January 2026, in his office at the Muhammadu Buhari Senate Building.

Professor Mele, in his remarks, welcomed the proposal to introduce a Bachelor of Science programme in Community Health and appreciated the association for conceiving and presenting the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. He commended the association for their dedication and teamwork in developing the proposal and noted that the university is always ready to support programmes that bridge the gap between the institution and its host community. He added that such initiatives align with the university’s mandate of teaching, research, and community services.

He further suggested that the association could organize workshops, sensitization and awareness sessions for members of the university community, especially students, as a way to engage and raise awareness on important issues such as health, environment, and general wellbeing. He emphasized the importance of involving relevant units, including the Students’ Affairs Division and the Students' Union Government, to facilitate coordination and effectiveness. 

The Vice Chancellor then stated that, once the proposal is formally considered by the University management, it would receive the necessary support to positively impact both students and the broader community and assured them of the University’s full support. 

Earlier during the visit, the Chairman, Mr. Aji congratulated the University of Maiduguri on her golden jubilee celebration, commending the institution for its remarkable contributions to education and human capital development in the North-East and the country at large. According to him, the university has remained a centre of academic excellence, and the association considered it important to identify with the university at such a historic milestone.

Speaking further, the Chairman stated that the delegation was at the university to formally propose the introduction of a Bachelor of Science programme in the University stating that the programme would help address the shortage of trained community health professionals, particularly in rural communities, while also creating opportunities for youths to acquire relevant healthcare skills and reduce the cost and stress of seeking such training outside the state, improve access to quality education, and strengthen the healthcare system through locally trained manpower. He then expressed confidence that the programme, if approved, would contribute significantly to public health development and align with the university’s mandate of service to humanity.

The visit ended on a cordial note, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at improving health education and community wellbeing.