University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) Dismisses Viral Video Alleging Students’ Involvement with Boko Haram as False and Misleading

The Management of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has strongly dismissed as false and misleading a viral video that has been circulating on social media. The video claimed that some students of the University were arrested for collaborating with Boko Haram insurgents. According to the University, this information is completely untrue and has no factual basis.

In a press release issued on Tuesday by the Office of the Registrar, the University described the claims as “totally baseless, false, and mischievous.” The Management clearly stated that no student of the University of Maiduguri has been found to have any link with Boko Haram or any similar extremist or terrorist group. The University stressed that the video was designed to mislead the public and damage the reputation of the institution.

The statement was signed by the Registrar of the University, Ahmad A. Lawan, who spoke firmly against the false narrative. He emphasized that the University of Maiduguri has zero tolerance for extremism, violence, or any activity that threatens national security.

This clarification is very important because UNIMAID is located in the North-East region of Nigeria, an area that has suffered greatly from insecurity in the past. Because of this, any false information linking the University or its students to insurgency can cause fear, panic, and misunderstanding among parents, students, and the general public.

UNIMAID’s Position on Extremism and Violence

In the press release, the University stated clearly:

“The University Management has at no time tolerated any form of extremism or violence. On the contrary, the University of Maiduguri has been at the forefront of countering violent extremism, promoting peace, and supporting national security efforts, particularly in the North East region.”

This statement shows that UNIMAID is not only against violence and terrorism, but it is also actively working to fight against it. The University sees itself as a strong supporter of peace, unity, and national stability.

Over the years, UNIMAID has organized and supported:

• Peace campaigns

• Educational programs on countering violent extremism

• Research on peace and security

• Community engagement initiatives

• Youth empowerment and enlightenment programs

All these efforts are aimed at reducing violence and promoting understanding among young people.

UNIMAID Students Are Law-Abiding and Disciplined

The Management also emphasized that the University community is made up of disciplined and law-abiding students and staff. Students of UNIMAID come from different parts of Nigeria and beyond. They are united by a common goal: to learn, grow academically, and become responsible members of society.

According to the statement, UNIMAID students:

• Are focused on their studies

• Respect university rules and regulations

• Show good moral conduct

• Uphold discipline and responsibility

• Represent the values of the institution positively

The University noted that its students have consistently demonstrated good character and commitment to academic excellence. Any attempt to paint them as criminals or extremists is not only wrong but deeply unfair.

Dangers of Spreading False Information

The University strongly warned against the spread of unverified information on social media. In today’s digital age, information spreads very fast, and a single false video can cause serious harm.

False information can:

• Create unnecessary fear and panic

• Damage the reputation of innocent students

• Harm the image of the University

• Discourage parents from sending their children to school

• Mislead the public

• Cause tension in the community

The Management urged parents, guardians, students, and the general public to always verify information before sharing it. People should rely only on official statements from credible authorities, especially when the matter involves serious security issues.

UNIMAID’s Role in Peacebuilding and National Unity

The University of Maiduguri has played a very important role in promoting peace and stability in the North-East region of Nigeria. Despite the challenges the region has faced, UNIMAID has remained a strong symbol of hope, resilience, and progress.

Some of the ways UNIMAID contributes to peace include:

• Educating young people on tolerance and unity

• Conducting research on conflict resolution

• Training professionals who serve in peace and security roles

• Supporting dialogue and understanding among communities

• Encouraging national unity through education

The University believes that education is one of the strongest tools to fight ignorance, hatred, and violence. By educating thousands of students every year, UNIMAID helps to build a safer and more peaceful society.

The Importance of Protecting the Image of Educational Institutions

Educational institutions are meant to be safe places for learning and personal development. False accusations against universities can:

• Destroy trust

• Harm the future of students

• Discourage academic growth

• Affect international recognition

The Management of UNIMAID made it clear that it will not allow the hard-earned reputation of the University to be damaged by false and irresponsible claims.

The University has spent many years building its name as:

• A center of academic excellence

• A place of discipline and moral responsibility

• A supporter of national peace and unity

• A hub for research and innovation

This reputation must be protected with truth and responsibility.

Appeal to the Public and Social Media Users

The University appealed to:

• Parents

• Guardians

• Students

• Journalists

• Social media users

• The general public

to disregard the viral video and stop spreading unverified information.

The Management encouraged everyone to:

• Seek information from official sources

• Confirm stories before sharing

• Avoid spreading fear and rumors

• Act responsibly online

Social media should be used to share truth, knowledge, and positivity, not falsehood and panic.

UNIMAID’s Core Values

The press release reminded the public that UNIMAID stands on strong values such as:

• Academic excellence

• Moral discipline

• Peace and harmony

• National unity

• Respect for law and order

• Responsibility and integrity

These values guide the behavior of both staff and students. The University does not compromise on issues of discipline or security.

Support for Security Agencies

UNIMAID also made it clear that it supports the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies in maintaining peace and safety. The University works in cooperation with relevant authorities and follows all laws and security guidelines.

The institution believes that:

• Security is everyone’s responsibility

• Education and security go hand in hand

• Students must be protected and guided properly

Message to Students

The University used this opportunity to encourage its students to:

• Remain law-abiding

• Focus on their studies

• Be good ambassadors of UNIMAID

• Avoid suspicious activities

• Report any unusual behavior to authorities

• Use social media responsibly

Students were reminded that their conduct reflects not only on themselves but also on the University.

Message to Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians were reassured that:

• Their children are safe

• The University remains a secure learning environment

• UNIMAID does not tolerate criminal behavior

• The viral video is completely false

They were encouraged to remain calm and trust the official statements of the University.

Commitment to Truth and Transparency

The University of Maiduguri promised to always communicate openly and honestly with the public. Any real issue affecting students or staff would be officially announced through proper channels.

This transparency builds trust and confidence between the University and the society it serves.

Final Reaffirmation

In conclusion, the University of Maiduguri clearly stated that:

• No UNIMAID student has been arrested for collaborating with Boko Haram

• The viral video is false and misleading

• The claims are baseless and mischievous

• The institution has zero tolerance for extremism

• UNIMAID stands for peace, learning, and national unity

The press release was officially signed by:

Ahmad A. Lawan
Registrar, University of Maiduguri

The University of Maiduguri remains one of Nigeria’s leading institutions that continues to contribute positively to:

• Education

• Peacebuilding

• Security

• National development

It stands as a symbol of resilience, discipline, and hope in the North-East region and beyond.