Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the central role of education in nation-building, describing it as “the strongest foundation for national progress,” as he addressed graduates of Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU), Maiduguri, during a historic convocation ceremony.
Speaking at the event, which also featured the installation of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, as Chancellor of the university, Shettima charged the graduating students to uphold integrity, embrace service to humanity, and pursue excellence in their personal and professional lives.
The Vice President congratulated the graduating class on their academic achievements, noting that their success was not only a personal milestone but also a testament to resilience, particularly given the challenges the North-East region has faced over the years. He urged them to deploy their knowledge and skills to address societal problems and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Education is not merely a pathway to personal advancement; it is a public trust,” Shettima said. “Nigeria’s progress depends on graduates who are guided by integrity, driven by excellence, and committed to service beyond self.”
Shettima commended the management and staff of Kashim Ibrahim University for sustaining academic standards and expanding access to higher education, despite security and infrastructural challenges. He described the convocation as historic, marking a new chapter in the institution’s growth and national relevance.
The installation of the Ooni of Ife as Chancellor added cultural and symbolic significance to the ceremony. Shettima noted that the choice of a revered traditional ruler with global recognition underscored the university’s commitment to bridging scholarship, culture, and leadership.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife pledged to support the university’s vision through advocacy, partnerships, and the promotion of values that foster unity, peace, and intellectual excellence across Nigeria.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University highlighted the institution’s achievements in academic development, research, and community engagement, while expressing gratitude to the Federal Government and stakeholders for their continued support.
The convocation ceremony drew dignitaries from government, academia, traditional institutions, and the private sector, as graduates were awarded degrees across various disciplines, celebrating both academic accomplishment and hope for a more progressive Nigeria.
