Education investment is never just a gamble—it's a deliberate and strategic choice for building a secure and brighter future. But here's where it gets controversial... many might underestimate the profound impact of investing in education, viewing it as risky or uncertain. In reality, such investments are foundational for long-term development, economic growth, and societal progress, and this perspective was emphasized by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
On Saturday, Shettima reaffirmed the unwavering stance that putting resources into education is a conscious move aimed at shaping a better Nigeria. He highlighted that education remains the most potent instrument for fostering development, empowering individuals economically, and liberating communities from societal challenges.
During the combined graduation ceremony at Kashim Ibrahim University in Borno State, where 2,294 students celebrated their achievements across three academic sessions (2022/2023, 2023/2024, and 2024/2025), the Vice President made a compelling declaration: "No investment in education is ever a gamble. It’s a deliberate plan for a more secure and prosperous future."
He challenged the graduates to see themselves as ambassadors of integrity, service, and excellence. Their conduct, he said, would shape and define the reputation of the institution and their own future careers.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima underscored that regardless of where life leads them, these graduates carry the name and core values of Kashim Ibrahim University. They are urged to avoid shortcuts that compromise ethics and to uphold moral integrity.
Shettima also drew attention to the significant sacrifices made by Borno State in prioritizing education, especially given the years of disruption caused by insurgency and conflict. Despite these hardships, the people of Borno demonstrated resilience by choosing perseverance over despair and prioritized learning over loss, a testament to their unwavering commitment to education.
Addressing the newly minted graduates, the Vice President reminded them that being the pioneering students of the university places a unique responsibility on their shoulders. They are the first torchbearers of this institution, and their future actions will be the measure by which history judges both them and the university.
He expressed appreciation for the leadership—academic, administrative, and staff—who laid a solid foundation for learning in Northeast Nigeria. Among those he praised was the university’s current management, including its pioneer Vice-Chancellor.
Shettima also commended Borno State’s Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for transforming visions into tangible realities through steadfast leadership. He remarked, "This convocation proves that true leadership is measured by how many lives it enlightens." Furthermore, he acknowledged Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, for his unwavering support even amidst the Boko Haram insurgency, where his wealth and influence were used for societal good.
The Vice President paid tribute to traditional rulers like the Shehu of Borno and lauded the solidarity shown by neighboring governors in North-East Nigeria during the region’s darkest days. As a gesture of support, he announced the donation of two electric vehicles to help improve transportation within the campus, aiming to facilitate better mobility and learning.
Earlier, Borno’s Governor Zulum announced a series of incentives for top graduates—offering automatic employment to 81 of the best students and immediate postgraduate scholarships domestically and internationally—emphasizing that excellence should be rewarded. He urged the graduates to become worthy ambassadors and active agents of development in the wider society.
The event also featured the installation of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi II, as Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, who committed himself to advancing the institution’s growth. The Ooni expressed humility and dedication to his new role, thanking the Vice President for initiating the university's creation and the governor for his confidence in him.
Prof. Babagana Gutti, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, revealed that a modern teaching hospital being built on campus—expected to be the largest and most sophisticated in Nigeria—would soon be completed. Once operational, it promises to become a national benchmark in medical education and healthcare service delivery.
He also highlighted that the university, established during Shettima’s time as Governor, is Nigeria’s fastest-growing higher institution, with over fifty physical projects completed by the state government—clear indicators of committed progress.
A significant highlight of the convocation was the formal installation of the Ooni of Ife as Chancellor, along with the conferment of honorary Doctor of Letters degrees on him and on prominent international businessman, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, for their notable contributions. Additionally, top graduating students received MSc and PhD scholarship awards from Vice President Shettima—an encouragement for academic excellence.
Overall, this event symbolized not just achievement but also the ongoing dedication of leaders, traditional institutions, and the university itself to fostering education’s transformative power. As Nigeria continues to debate the true value of investing in education, the question remains: do you see education as an investment or just a gamble? And more importantly—what’s your stance on the role of leadership, community support, and resilience in ensuring educational progress? Share your thoughts below.
