By JESSICA DOGO

The Global President of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) Alumni Association, Baba Shettima-Kukawa, says the association is targeting a one-billion-Naira scholarship fund to support members and students of the institution.

Shettima-Kukawa said this at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association on Saturday in Abuja, while speaking on the association’s achievements and plans for the year 2027.

He said that his administration was committed to building a sustainable association capable of delivering lasting benefits.

According to him, the association plans to introduce scholarship programmes, mentorship initiatives and development projects to achieve its objectives.

He said the association had presented its 2027 agenda to congress, outlining programmes aimed at strengthening professional development and educational support.

“Upon assuming office last year, my administration adopted a three-point agenda focused on mobilisation, structure and impact.

“The first priority is to mobilise graduates of the university and bring them together under one umbrella to strengthen the association.

“The second priority is to establish effective structures, including policies, processes, procedures and governance frameworks to ensure a proper administration,” he said.

Shettima-Kukawa said that the association had registered nearly 10,000 members within four months as part of efforts to expand its membership base.

He said that the administration’s immediate focus was to build an association that would outlive its current leadership and deliver sustainable benefits.

He said the association’s planned interventions would focus on members, the university and the wider community.

“One of the proposed initiatives is the establishment of a Professional Development Board covering five professional fields, including accounting, law, medicine and geology.

“The board will provide a structured platform for members to network, exchange knowledge and share professional experiences.

“The initiative will also promote mentorship by encouraging experienced alumni to guide younger graduates and students,” he said.

He said the number of beneficiaries and the level of financial assistance, including tuition and other educational expenses, would depend on available resources and prevailing needs. (NAN)