Vice President Kashim Shettima has said that no investment in education is a gamble, describing education as a deliberate commitment to securing a better future for Nigeria and a tool for development, economic empowerment, and societal liberation.
Speaking on Saturday at the combined convocation ceremonies of Kashim Ibrahim University in Borno State, the Vice President addressed graduands from three academic sessions, 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, with a total of 2,294 students completing their studies.
According to him, “No investment in education is ever a gamble. It is a conscious plan for a better, more secure future,” as he urged governments, institutions, and families to continue prioritising learning as a national responsibility.
He called on the graduating students to see themselves as ambassadors of integrity, service, and excellence, stressing that their conduct would shape the public image of the institution long after the ceremony.
“Wherever life takes you, you carry the name and values of Kashim Ibrahim University. You must shun ethical shortcuts and moral compromise,” Shettima stated.
The Vice President said the experience of Borno State clearly shows the cost of neglecting education, noting that the state endured years of disruption due to insurgency that weakened access to learning.
“Borno has paid a heavy price for the years education was disrupted. Yet, the people chose resilience over despair and learning over loss,” he said.
Describing the graduands as pioneers, Shettima reminded them that they carry a unique responsibility as the first torchbearers of the university’s legacy.
“You are the first torchbearers of this institution. History will judge this university by what you become and how you conduct yourselves,” he added.
He praised the academic and administrative leadership of the university, including its pioneer Vice-Chancellor, current management, lecturers, and staff, for laying what he described as a solid foundation for learning in the North-East.
Shettima also commended Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, describing him as “a leader whose vision turned an idea into an enduring institution.”
“This convocation is proof that true leadership measures power by the number of lives it enlightens,” the Vice President said, while also applauding the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Muhammadu Indimi, for standing by 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,” he added.
The Vice President further acknowledged the role of traditional institutions, particularly the Shehu of Borno, and noted the solidarity shown by North-East governors during the most difficult periods of the insurgency.
In a symbolic move, 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.”
Earlier, Governor Zulum announced automatic employment for 81 best graduating students of the university, alongside immediate postgraduate sponsorships within and outside Nigeria.
“Excellence must be rewarded. These young men and women have earned the confidence of the Borno State Government,” Zulum said, urging the graduates to act as worthy ambassadors and agents of development.
The Chancellor of the university, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi II, pledged to work for the accelerated 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, while thanking the Vice President for initiating the university and Governor Zulum for the appointment.
The Vice-Chancellor, 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.
Gutti added that the institution, established during Shettima’s tenure as Governor of Borno State, has been ranked the fastest-growing university in Nigeria, with over 50 physical projects completed by the state government.
Highlights of the convocation included the installation of the Ooni of Ife as Chancellor, the conferment of honorary Doctor of Letters degrees on him and international businessman Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, and the award of MSc and PhD scholarships to best graduating students by the Vice President. The ceremony attracted wide attention.
