THE University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) has firmly denied claims circulating on social media that some of its students were arrested for allegedly collaborating with Boko Haram insurgents, describing the report as false, baseless, and deliberately misleading.
The clarification was contained in an official statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Tuesday by the Registrar of the University, Ahmad Lawan, following the circulation of a viral video that sparked public concern and anxiety, particularly in the North-East.
Lawan stated unequivocally that no student of the University of Maiduguri has been found to have any connection with Boko Haram or any other extremist or insurgent group.
“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 statement read.
“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.”
The Registrar emphasized that the institution has zero tolerance for extremism, violence, or any activity capable of undermining national security, noting that UNIMAID has consistently played a frontline role in countering violent extremism and promoting peace, especially in the insurgency-affected North-East region.
He described the university community as one made up of disciplined, law-abiding staff and students from diverse ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds, all united by a commitment to learning, research and character development.
“The University community consists of disciplined, law-abiding staff and students drawn from diverse backgrounds, all of whom are engaged primarily in academic pursuits,” the statement noted.
“Our students are trained in both character and learning, have demonstrated good behaviour, and remain focused on their studies.”
The management warned that the spread of unverified and false information could cause unnecessary panic, stigmatise innocent students, and damage the hard-earned reputation of the institution, which has remained resilient despite years of insecurity in the region.
It therefore urged parents, guardians, media organisations and the general public to disregard the viral video and refrain from amplifying what it described as a dangerous false narrative.
The university reiterated its commitment to academic excellence, moral discipline, peacebuilding, and national unity, stressing that it would continue to collaborate with security agencies and relevant authorities to maintain safety on campus.
“We appeal to all to refrain from spreading this false narrative due to its negative impact,” the statement concluded.
“The University of Maiduguri remains steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence, moral discipline, and the promotion of peace, security and national unity.”