Vice President Kashim Shettima has said that investment in education can never be regarded as a gamble, describing it as a deliberate pathway to securing Nigeria’s future.

The Vice President stated that the education sector remains a conscious commitment to national development, noting that it is the most powerful instrument for economic empowerment, societal liberation, and long-term progress.

Shettima spoke on Saturday at the combined convocation ceremonies of Kashim Ibrahim University in Borno State, where a total of 2,294 students graduated across the 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions.

“No investment in education is ever a gamble. It is a conscious plan for a better, more secure future,” the Vice President said.

He urged the graduating students to consider themselves ambassadors of integrity, service and excellence, stressing that their conduct would ultimately define the reputation of their alma mater.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President was quoted as saying: “Wherever life takes you, you carry the name and values of Kashim Ibrahim University. You must shun ethical shortcuts and moral compromise.”

Shettima noted that the government and people of Borno State fully understand the consequences of neglecting education, having experienced years of disruption caused by insurgency.

“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 graduating students as pioneers of the university, the Vice President reminded them that history has placed a special responsibility on their shoulders.

“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 commended the academic and administrative leadership of Kashim Ibrahim University, including its pioneer Vice-Chancellor, current management, lecturers and staff, for laying what he described as “a solid foundation for learning in the heart of the North-East.”

The Vice President also praised Borno State Governor, Prof. 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,” he said.

Shettima further applauded the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, for his unwavering commitment to the state, even during the peak 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 also acknowledged the role of traditional institutions, particularly the Shehu of Borno, while recognising the solidarity demonstrated by North-East governors during the most difficult periods of insurgency in the region.

In a symbolic gesture, Shettima announced the donation of two electric vehicles to support the university’s shuttle services.

“These vehicles are a modest contribution to ease mobility within the campus and support the learning environment,” he said.

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.

He urged the graduates to step into the wider society as worthy ambassadors of the institution and agents of development.

The Chancellor of the university, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi II, pledged his commitment to 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.

He expressed gratitude to the Vice President for initiating the establishment of the university and to Governor Zulum for finding him worthy of the appointment.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babagana Gutti, disclosed that the university’s ultra-modern teaching hospital, which is 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.

Prof. Gutti added that the institution, established during Shettima’s tenure as Governor of Borno State, has been ranked the fastest-growing university in Nigeria, noting that over 50 physical projects were completed by the state government.

Highlights of the convocation included the installation of the Ooni of Ife as Chancellor of the university and the conferment of honorary Doctor of Letters degrees on him and international businessman, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi.

The ceremony also featured the award of MSc and PhD scholarships to best graduating students by Vice President Shettima.