University of Maiduguri Acting VC Commits to Strengthening Partnership with UNDP for Skills Development
He noted that the partnership aligns with the university's goal to transition from a traditional curriculum to one that integrates life skills and entrepreneurship.
Binye-lum 
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, has pledged the institution's full support for a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at enhancing skills development among students.
During a courtesy visit by the UNDP team on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Muhammadu Buhari Senate Building, Professor Mele expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. He noted that the partnership aligns with the university's goal to transition from a traditional curriculum to one that integrates life skills and entrepreneurship. He also highlighted that the university's Center for Entrepreneurship has already initiated skills development programs, which will be further enhanced by this new partnership.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor stressed the importance of the collaboration in addressing challenges in the region, including insurgency, internally displaced persons, and high numbers of out-of-school children. He assured UNDP of the university's commitment to ensuring the program's success, benefiting students and the wider community.
Professor Mele also expressed gratitude to the UNDP for selecting the University of Maiduguri as one of the nine universities in Nigeria to participate in the program.
In response, Dr. Nathan Tumu Hanye, UNDP's Head of Exploration and Programme Analysts, explained that the visit aimed to establish University Innovation Pods across Nigeria's 36 states, with the University of Maiduguri playing a key role. He commended the university for its ongoing contributions to the development agenda, particularly in the North-East region.
