Vice President Kashim Shettima has said investing in education is never a gamble but a deliberate decision to secure Nigeria’s future.
Shettima stated this on Saturday at the combined convocation ceremony of Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU), Maiduguri, where 2,294 students graduated across the 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions.
Addressing the graduands, the Vice President described education as the most powerful tool for development, economic empowerment and societal liberation.
“No investment in education is ever a gamble. It is a conscious plan for a better, more secure future,” he said.
Shettima urged the graduates to uphold integrity and excellence, noting that their actions would shape the reputation of the young institution.
“Wherever life takes you, you carry the name and values of Kashim Ibrahim University. You must shun ethical shortcuts and moral compromise,” he warned.
Reflecting on the years of insurgency that disrupted learning in Borno State, the Vice President said the state chose resilience over despair and learning over loss.
“Borno paid a heavy price for the years education was disrupted, yet the people refused to surrender their future,” he said.
He described the graduands as pioneers, adding that history would judge the university by what they become.
Shettima commended Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for transforming the idea of the university into a lasting institution, saying leadership is best measured by the number of lives it enlightens.
He also praised the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, for his commitment to the state during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency.
In a symbolic gesture, the Vice President announced the donation of two electric vehicles to support shuttle services within the university.
Earlier, Governor Zulum announced automatic employment for 81 of the best graduating students, alongside immediate postgraduate scholarships within and outside the country.
The ceremony also featured the installation of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi II, as Chancellor of the university.
Speaking after his installation, the monarch pledged to support the rapid growth of the institution and promote its development.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Babagana Gutti, disclosed that the institution’s ultra-modern teaching hospital, nearing completion, would be the largest and most equipped in the country.
Highlights of the event included the conferment of honorary Doctor of Letters degrees on the Ooni of Ife and Alhaji Indimi, as well as the award of MSc and PhD scholarships to outstanding graduates.
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