Vice President Kashim Shettima has begun using his two-week leave for reading and reflection, with photographs showing him engaged in study during the period away from his official duties.
Shettima commenced the leave on Thursday, August 6, 2026, following approval by President Bola Tinubu. He is expected to resume official duties on August 20.
The Vice President’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, said the leave was providing Shettima an opportunity for study, reflection and intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued national service.
According to Nkwocha, Shettima has traditionally used periods of leave to study and reflect, allowing him to examine ideas more carefully and return to official responsibilities with greater clarity.
The photographs released during the leave showed the Vice President reading, reinforcing the emphasis placed on continuous learning and intellectual engagement even outside formal office duties.
The leave is Shettima’s first since he assumed office as Vice President on May 29, 2023.
The Office of the Vice President said the period would also enable him to review ongoing government programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and international policy issues and prepare for responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government continues implementing its development agenda.
Since assuming office, Shettima has been involved in the coordination of several government initiatives, particularly in areas including economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.
He also chairs the National Economic Council, which comprises the governors of Nigeria’s 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other public officials involved in deliberations on economic policy and citizens’ welfare.
The Vice President’s decision to devote part of his leave to reading and reflection has also drawn attention to the place of continuous learning in public leadership, particularly in an administration dealing with complex economic, social and governance challenges.
Rather than treating leave solely as a period away from official responsibilities, the Presidency has presented Shettima’s break as an opportunity for intellectual renewal and preparation for the demands of public office.
The development highlights the importance of continuous personal development among public officials, particularly those occupying positions that require regular engagement with complex policy, economic and social issues.
