"Investing in education is never a gamble," asserted Vice President Kashim Shettima during a recent event, emphasizing the crucial role that educational investment plays in shaping a brighter future for Nigeria. He articulated that education serves as a fundamental catalyst for development, economic empowerment, and the liberation of society.
At the combined convocation ceremonies of Kashim Ibrahim University in Borno State, where 2,294 students received their degrees spanning three academic sessions (2022/2023, 2023/2024, and 2024/2025), the Vice President stated, "Every investment in education is a conscious strategy aimed at achieving a more secure and prosperous future."
He encouraged the graduates to adopt the roles of ambassadors for integrity, service, and excellence, highlighting that their actions will significantly influence the reputation of their alma mater.
In a statement relayed by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima reminded the graduates, "Regardless of where life leads you, you carry the name and values of Kashim Ibrahim University with you. Therefore, it is essential to reject unethical shortcuts and moral ambiguities."
The Vice President also underscored the importance of education in Borno State, acknowledging the region's challenges due to years of conflict caused by insurgency. He remarked, "Borno has suffered immensely from the interruption of education, yet its people have chosen resilience over despair and prioritized learning over loss."
Shettima referred to the graduating class as pioneers of the university, stressing that they bear a unique responsibility towards the institution’s legacy. "As the initial torchbearers of this university, history will evaluate it based on your achievements and conduct," he noted.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the university's academic and administrative leaders, including its founding Vice-Chancellor and current staff, for establishing a solid educational foundation in the North-East region.
The Vice President praised Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, calling him "a visionary leader who transformed an idea into a lasting institution." He stated that this convocation exemplifies how true leadership is measured by the capacity to enlighten lives. Furthermore, he commended the university's Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, for his dedication to the state's welfare, particularly during the peak of the Boko Haram crisis. "Alhaji Indimi has consistently used his resources for the benefit of society, especially when Borno needed help the most," Shettima remarked.
Senator Shettima also paid tribute to traditional institutions, notably the Shehu of Borno, and recognized the solidarity shown by governors in the North-East during the darkest days of insurgency in that area.
In a meaningful gesture, the Vice President announced the donation of two electric vehicles to enhance the university's shuttle services, stating, "These vehicles represent a small contribution toward improving mobility on campus and fostering a supportive learning environment."
Earlier, Governor Zulum declared that 81 top-performing graduates from the university would receive automatic job placements, along with opportunities for postgraduate studies both locally and internationally. "Excellence must be rewarded, and these young individuals have earned the trust of the Borno State Government," he stated. Zulum encouraged the new graduates to enter the world as distinguished representatives of their institution and agents of progress.
The university's Chancellor, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi II, expressed his commitment to advancing the institution's growth. "I accept this role with humility and dedication, and I will work diligently to promote the development of Kashim Ibrahim University," he affirmed, expressing gratitude to the Vice President for initiating the establishment of the university and to Governor Zulum for entrusting him with the chancellorship.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babagana Gutti, revealed that the university’s state-of-the-art teaching hospital is nearing completion and is set to be the largest and best-equipped facility of its kind in the country. "Once finalized, our teaching hospital will serve as a national benchmark for medical education and health service delivery," he stated. Prof. Gutti further emphasized that the university, which was founded during Shettima’s governorship, has been recognized as the fastest-growing university in Nigeria, noting that over 50 infrastructure projects have been completed by the state government.
Key moments of the convocation included the installation of the Ooni of Ife as Chancellor of the university and the conferral of honorary Doctor of Letters degrees upon him and international businessman Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi. Additionally, Vice President Shettima awarded MSc and PhD scholarships to the best graduating students.
