Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised that investment in education is never a gamble, describing it as a deliberate commitment to securing a better future for Nigeria.

Speaking on Saturday at the combined convocation ceremony of Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU), where 2,294 students graduated across the 2022/2023, 2023/2024, and 2024/2025 sessions, the Vice President urged graduates to uphold integrity, service, and excellence as ambassadors of the institution.

“No investment in education is ever a gamble. It is a conscious plan for a better, more secure future,” he said, noting that Borno State understands the consequences of disrupted education due to insurgency.

VP Shettima also acknowledged the efforts of the university’s leadership, including its pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babagana Gutti, and commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for turning the vision of the university into reality. He praised the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, for his consistent support during the insurgency.

In a symbolic gesture, the Vice President donated two electric vehicles to improve campus mobility. He also awarded scholarships to the best graduating students.

Governor Zulum announced automatic employment for the 81 best graduating students and immediate postgraduate sponsorships within and outside Nigeria.

The convocation featured the installation of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi II, as Chancellor. The monarch pledged to work towards the accelerated growth of KIU. He, alongside Alhaji Indimi, received honorary Doctor of Letters degrees.

Prof. Gutti revealed that the university’s ultra-modern teaching hospital, nearing completion, will be the largest and most equipped in the country. He highlighted that over 50 physical projects have been completed since the university’s establishment during Shettima’s tenure as governor, making KIU the fastest-growing university in Nigeria.