By Usman Abubakar Maiduguri
The students of the University of Maiduguri may soon commence learning french language to enhance their employability at the domestic and international job markets after graduation.
The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, hinted this while addressing newsmen in Maiduguri, Monday, preparatory the institution’s 25th conversation and Golden Jubilee (50th anniversary) celebrations slated for Saturday, November 29.
“The University of Maiduguri has been selected in the Gold Category of the French Embassy Fund “Bilingual and Competitive Project” following its successful proposal submission earlier this year,” he announced.
“As a Gold Level institution, the University will receive full technical and financial support to establish a French Language Digital Resource Centre, provide specialised training for teaching staff and access enhanced virtual and physical learning resources,” Mele explained.
“Over the two-year implementation period, the project will also fund DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) and DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française) all internationally recognized French language proficiency certification for students that will strengthen their professional pathways to improve employability,” he explained further.
On the graduation, the vice chancellor disclosed: “This year, the University of Maiduguri proudly graduates 20,164 students – one of the largest cohorts in our history. These include:66 PhDs, 1,020 Master’s Degrees 3,851 Postgraduate Diplomas13,624 Bachelor’s Degrees and 1,699 Diplomas.”
He gave the breakdown of the Bachelor’s degree as: 205 First Class Honours3,114 Second Class Upper9,501 Second Class Lower, as he congratulated the graduates for their hard work, resilience and dedication.
He described the Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary) of the institution as a profound celebration of resilience, growth and unwavering purpose.
Mele said, from its humble beginnings with just two faculties, the University of Maiduguri has evolved into a vibrant institution comprising 17 faculties, a College of Medical Sciences, a dynamic College of Postgraduate Studies and 12 specialised research centres.
“Through years marked by insurgency, economic constraints and even a global pandemic, the University has stood firm as a steadfast symbol of courage, stability and intellectual fortitude for the entire Sahel region,” he remarked. END
