Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized that investing in education is not a gamble, but a conscious decision to secure Nigeria’s future. He made this statement at the combined convocation ceremonies of Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, where 2,294 students graduated and the Ooni of Ife was installed as the university’s Chancellor.
Shettima stressed that education remains the most powerful tool for development, economic empowerment, and societal liberation. He urged the graduating students to uphold integrity and excellence, reminding them that their conduct would shape the reputation of the institution. “Wherever life takes you, you carry the name and values of Kashim Ibrahim University. You must shun ethical shortcuts and moral compromise,” he stated.
The Vice President reflected on the impact of insurgency on Borno State, noting that the state had paid a heavy price for disruptions to education. However, he commended the people of Borno for choosing resilience over despair and learning over loss. Shettima described the graduands as pioneers of the institution and told them that history would judge the university by what they become.
Shettima commended the university’s academic and administrative leadership, including its pioneer Vice-Chancellor and current management, for laying a solid foundation for learning in the North-East. He also praised Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for transforming an idea into a lasting institution. “This convocation is proof that true leadership measures power by the number of lives it enlightens,” he said.
The Vice President applauded the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, for his commitment to the state during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency. “Alhaji Indimi’s wealth has consistently been deployed for the good of society, especially when Borno needed it most,” Shettima noted.
In a symbolic gesture, Shettima announced the donation of two electric vehicles to support the university’s shuttle services, saying, “These vehicles are a modest contribution to ease mobility within the campus and support the learning environment.”
Governor Zulum announced automatic employment for 81 of the best graduating students of the university, alongside immediate postgraduate scholarships within and outside Nigeria. “Excellence must be rewarded. These young men and women have earned the confidence of the Borno State Government,” Zulum said.
The newly installed Chancellor, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi II, pledged to work towards the rapid growth of the institution. “I accept this responsibility with humility and commitment. I will work tirelessly to advance the development of Kashim Ibrahim University,” the monarch said.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babagana Gutti, disclosed that the university’s ultra-modern teaching hospital, nearing completion, would be the largest and most equipped in the country. “When completed, our teaching hospital will stand as a national reference point for medical training and service delivery,” he said.
The ceremony included the installation of the Ooni of Ife as Chancellor, the conferment of honorary Doctor of Letters degrees on him and Alhaji Indimi, as well as the award of MSc and PhD scholarships to outstanding graduates by the Vice President.
The event highlighted the importance of education in driving development and empowering individuals. As Shettima noted, investing in education is a deliberate commitment to securing Nigeria’s future.
