The University of Maiduguri has dismissed reports claiming that a student of the institution was arrested over links to Boko Haram, describing the narrative as false, misleading, and deliberately intended to damage the university’s reputation.
The management said the report, which circulated widely on social media, was unsupported by facts and relied on a questionable video that provided no verifiable evidence linking any student to extremist activities.
Speaking on behalf of the university in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Tuesday, Registrar Ahmad Lawan said internal checks and official records confirmed there was no basis for the allegation.
He stated that at no time have students of the university been arrested for involvement with Boko Haram or any similar group.
“The story circulating online is completely fabricated and should be treated as such. There is no record, past or present, of any student of this university having links with Boko Haram,” Lawan said.
He further explained that the university maintains a strict stance against violence, extremism, and criminal conduct, while supporting initiatives aimed at discouraging radicalisation among young people in the North-East.
According to the registrar, the university works closely with relevant security agencies to ensure the safety of its campus and surrounding communities, a collaboration that has strengthened monitoring and early-warning mechanisms.
“Our partnership with security authorities is ongoing and transparent. Any credible threat or concern is promptly addressed, but this particular claim has no foundation whatsoever,” he added.
The management emphasised that students are primarily focused on academic pursuits and personal development, with discipline and moral conduct remaining central to the institution’s values.
Lawan also cautioned the public and media organisations against spreading unverified information, warning that such reports could fuel unnecessary fear and undermine trust in educational institutions.
“Misinformation of this nature does more harm than good. We urge the public to verify claims before sharing them, especially when they concern sensitive security issues,” he said.
The university reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence, peacebuilding, and national unity, urging Nigerians to disregard the report and avoid amplifying what it described as a baseless allegation.
