The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has refuted allegations in a popular social media video that some of its students were arrested for working with Boko Haram terrorists, calling the assertion untrue, unjustified, and malicious.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the University’s Registrar, Ahmad Lawan, stressed that no student at the university has been linked to Boko Haram or any comparable extremist group.
Ahmad stated that the institution’s management has never condoned extremism or violence in any form, highlighting that it has constantly been at the forefront of combating violent extremism, promoting peace, and supporting national security operations, notably in the North-East region.
The statement reads, “The attention of the management of the University of Maiduguri has been drawn to a misleading and disturbing viral video circulating on social media platforms claiming that students of the University were arrested for collaborating with Boko Haram insurgents.
“The University management wishes to categorically state that the allegations contained in the video are baseless, false and mischievous. No student of the University has been found to have links with Boko Haram insurgents or any other similar groups,” it said.
According to the statement, UNIMAID community comprises disciplined and law-abiding staff and students from diverse backgrounds who are primarily committed to academic pursuits.
“The University community consist of disciplined, law-abiding staff and students drawn from diverse backgrounds, all of whom are engaged primarily in academic pursuits.
“Our students are trained in both character and learning, have demonstrated good behavior and remain focused on their studies,” the statement added.
The university urged parents, guardians, the media, and the public to ignore the misinformation, cautioning that the dissemination of such false narratives could create unwarranted panic and harm the institution’s reputation.
It reinforced the institution’s dedication to academic distinction, ethical conduct, and the advancement of peace, security, and national cohesion.
“We also appeal to all to refrain from spreading this false narrative due to its negative impact. The University of Maiduguri remains steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence, moral discipline, and the promotion of peace, security and national security,” It concluded.
