The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has been appointed as the Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, Borno State, marking a significant milestone in the leadership and symbolic stature of the institution formerly known as Borno State University.
The revered monarch, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council and Permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, was appointed by the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, in recognition of his national influence and commitment to education, peace, and unity.
The official letter of appointment was formally presented to the Ooni on Tuesday at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife by the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Malam Bukar Tijani, who led a high-powered delegation on behalf of the governor. The delegation also included the Vice-Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, Professor Babagana Guti, alongside other senior government officials.
Speaking during the presentation, Malam Tijani conveyed the warm regards of Governor Zulum and described the appointment as historic and deeply symbolic. He noted that the Ooni’s stature as a global traditional leader made him a fitting choice to serve as Chancellor of the university.
Tijani further highlighted the historical connections between Ile-Ife and the Kanem-Borno Empire, describing both as among the oldest and most enduring centres of civilisation in Africa. He said the appointment honoured shared ancestral ties and underscored the enduring cultural bonds between the Yoruba people and the peoples of Borno.
He explained that although Governor Zulum would have preferred to personally present the appointment letter, pressing state engagements prevented his presence. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the Ooni’s wealth of experience would greatly enhance the growth and global visibility of Kashim Ibrahim University.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babagana Guti, praised the appointment, describing the Ooni as a passionate advocate of education, youth development, and inter-ethnic harmony. He said the monarch’s acceptance of the role would further strengthen the university’s vision and institutional reputation.
Responding, the Ooni expressed profound gratitude to Governor Zulum for the honour, commending his leadership and developmental achievements in Borno State. He said he had closely followed the governor’s work and described the appointment as a responsibility he accepted with humility and commitment.
The monarch assured the state government and the university community of his dedication to advancing the institution, noting his personal involvement in higher education as a university founder and his experience as Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
He also reflected on the deep historical and cultural links between the Yoruba people and the Kanem-Borno Empire, describing the appointment as a symbolic homecoming. According to him, the role represents not just an academic responsibility, but a reaffirmation of shared heritage, unity, and national integration through education.
