Flood: UNIMAID to resume academic activities

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) is scheduled to resume academic activities on Monday, September 23, 2024, following a temporary closure caused by severe flooding that recently hit Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

In an official statement released on Thursday, the university’s registrar, Ahmad Lawan, confirmed the decision, stating, “All staff and students are hereby informed that the university management has approved the resumption of lectures and office duties effective Monday, 23rd September 2024.”

UNIMAID had been forced to suspend operations on September 10, 2024, after unprecedented flooding overwhelmed the city. The disaster, which has been described as the worst in three decades, was triggered by the rupture of the Alau Dam in Jere Local Government Area, about 20 kilometers from Maiduguri. The dam’s failure unleashed torrents of floodwater that inundated riverine communities, severed critical road links, and inflicted widespread damage on public infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and other essential services.

The registrar explained that the decision to reopen the institution followed significant improvements in the flood situation across Maiduguri and the rehabilitation of key access roads leading to the university.

“This decision follows the improvement in the situation in Maiduguri and its environs, as well as the rehabilitation and reopening of the major access roads to the university,” Lawan stated.

The devastating flood, described by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as unprecedented, is being compared to the 1994 flood, which caused widespread destruction. However, both residents and international agencies, including the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), say the recent catastrophe far exceeded the previous event in terms of impact and destruction.

The flooding, which resulted from the collapse of the Alau Dam, caused widespread chaos, with many areas submerged, forcing residents to flee their homes. Key infrastructure, including roads and power facilities, were crippled, leaving much of the city paralyzed for weeks.

With the floodwaters now receding and rehabilitation efforts gaining momentum, UNIMAID is preparing to welcome students and staff back as life slowly returns to normal in the flood-stricken region.

This announcement comes as a sign of recovery for Maiduguri, a city that has faced significant challenges in recent weeks, as efforts continue to rebuild and restore normalcy.