Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, MFR, SAN celebrated his alma mater on her 24th Combined Convocation Ceremony and Re-Launch of the University of Maiduguri Endowment Fund which held from 16th to 18th November, 2023 at the University of Maiduguri, Borno State.

At the ceremony, Gadzama, who is the Ambassador-at-Large of the University of Maiduguri, charged the graduates to study the biographies of senior alumni, with a view of being better.

He mentioned a few notable personalities who were “made in UNIMAID,” including His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, Vice-President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zullum, CON, Executive Governor of Borno State; Sen. Ahmed Lawan GCON, President of the 9th Senate; Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Professors, Doctors, Doctors, Engineer.

During the event, the senior lawyer, who is the Chairman of Board of Trustees, University of Maiduguri Alumni Association, delivered remarks on behalf of the Board. He commended the University authorities, security agencies, students and stakeholders for their laudable resilience and commitment to the cause of knowledge. 

Gadzama said: ” The University of Maiduguri stands out as a leading institution in Nigeria notwithstanding the security challenges that have befallen it in the past years. At some point the University of Maiduguri was the only functional University in the North Eastern subregion. The University withstood threats, attacks and destruction of its structures and facilities during some unfortunate incidents. “

The Learned Silk, while emphasizing the impact of the University of Maiduguri on his success, noted as follows: ” For me, I had three options when it came to choosing a university – University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and University of Maiduguri. I am glad to have chosen the University of Maiduguri and to have studied at the prestigious Faculty of Law where I met the Late Honourable Justice Niki Tobi, JSC (Rtd) who later rose to become a Justice of the Supreme Court. To honour him for his impact, especially during my stay at the University of Maiduguri and my early career, we have the Honourable Justice Niki Tobi JSC (Rtd) Moot Court at J-K Gadzama Court, Abuja. “

Gadzama gave a brief history of the University of Maiduguri Alumni Association, highlighted the journey so far and encouraged all alumni to be a part of the Association. He emphasized that the alumni status is a lifelong privilege and that the best community to be a part of is the university community.

According to him, the importance of the keywords – Character and Learning – that adorn the certificate issued by the university cannot be overemphasized. He encouraged all alumni to carry the banner of their alma mater as worthy and exemplary ambassadors, representing the institution with pride and honour in their respective endeavours.

He charged the graduates to be loyal to both their alma mater and the Alumni Association. He categorically emphasized that henceforth the slogan shall be “I WAS MADE IN UNIMAID,” which the new graduates loudly repeated 3 times.

Earlier last Thursday evening, the graduation dinner was held at the Elkanemi Hall of the University where Gadzama, who was represented by Prof. Maxwell Gidado SAN, told the graduates that the Alumni Association would take them places.

The final day is today when Honorary Doctorate Degrees were conferred on eminent citizens while the Endowment Fund was relaunched.

Gadzama is also the Shettima Ilmuye of Borno, Sardauna of Uba, Babajiro of Akure Kingdom, and Okwuluora of Ukpo.