The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has denied reports suggesting that any of its students were arrested for links to Boko Haram.
The institution’s Registrar, Ahmad Lawan, clarified on Tuesday that no student has been found to have any connection with Boko Haram or similar extremist groups. He emphasized that the university has a long-standing policy of rejecting extremism and violence, and has consistently supported efforts to promote peace and national security, particularly in Nigeria’s North-East region.
“The management of the University of Maiduguri has noted a misleading viral video circulating on social media, claiming that some students were apprehended for collaborating with Boko Haram insurgents,” the statement said. “We categorically deny these allegations. They are false, baseless, and intended to mislead the public. No student has been linked to Boko Haram or any other extremist organization.”
According to the university, its staff and students are disciplined, law-abiding, and focused primarily on academic work.
“Our community consists of students and staff from diverse backgrounds who are committed to learning and personal development. Our students are trained in both character and education, have demonstrated exemplary behavior, and remain focused on their studies,” the statement added.
The university also urged parents, guardians, media houses, and the general public to disregard the misinformation, warning that such false narratives could create unnecessary panic and harm the institution’s reputation.
“We appeal to everyone to stop spreading this false information. UNIMAID remains committed to academic excellence, moral discipline, and the promotion of peace, security, and national unity,” the statement concluded.
The clarification follows a viral video that suggested some UNIMAID students were arrested for aiding Boko Haram. The clip, originally uploaded on YouTube, alleged that the students were acting as informants for the insurgents and were beneficiaries of the terrorist group.
Investigations indicate that the video first appeared in 2019, after the army and police arrested 25 individuals—including three former soldiers—in connection with a cult initiation at Bagani Hotel in Maiduguri’s Talakawa ward. Some of the suspects were reportedly students of UNIMAID and Ramat Polytechnic.
The university’s management stressed that the video is misleading and urged the public to rely on verified information.
