Kashim Shettima

Introduction: A Steadfast Leader in Nigerian Politics

Senator Kashim Shettima stands as a pivotal figure in contemporary Nigerian Politics & Government. As the 15th Vice President of Nigeria, sworn in on May 29, 2023, he serves as the deputy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His journey to the nation's second-highest office is a testament to a career built on resilience, intellectual rigor, and a deep commitment to public service, particularly in the face of profound challenges. Kashim Shettima is most notably recognized for his two-term tenure as the Governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019, a period defined by the relentless onslaught of the Boko Haram insurgency. His leadership during this crisis, focusing on both security and the preservation of education, especially for girls, earned him national respect and positioned him as a key stakeholder in Nigeria's fight against terrorism and its journey toward sustainable development.

Early Life and Educational Foundation

Kashim Shettima was born on September 2, 1966, in Maiduguri, Borno State, in the northeastern region of Nigeria. Hailing from a modest background, his early life was shaped by the values of hard work and scholarship. He pursued his secondary education at the prestigious Government Community Secondary School in Biu, laying a strong academic foundation. His intellectual prowess led him to the University of Maiduguri, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Agricultural Economics in 1989, graduating with a Second Class Upper division. Demonstrating an unwavering quest for knowledge, Shettima furthered his education at the same institution, obtaining a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Agricultural Economics in 1991.

His formative years in academia were not just about acquiring degrees; they instilled in him a data-driven, analytical approach to problem-solving. Before venturing into full-time politics, Kashim Shettima built a professional career in the banking and academic sectors. He worked as a lecturer at the University of Maiduguri and later served with the now-defunct Commercial Bank of Africa Limited. This unique blend of experience in education, finance, and economics would later become a hallmark of his pragmatic governance style, equipping him with the tools to manage complex economic and social challenges.

Political Career and Major Achievements

The political career of Kashim Shettima is a narrative of steady ascent and impactful service. He entered public service in 2007 when he was appointed as the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Borno State under Governor Ali Modu Sheriff. His competence in this role was evident, leading to his subsequent appointment as Commissioner for Education. His performance in these executive capacities set the stage for his gubernatorial bid.

Governorship: Leading Borno Through Crisis

In 2011, Kashim Shettima was elected Governor of Borno State. His tenure, which lasted eight years until 2019, was overwhelmingly dominated by the severe security crisis precipitated by Boko Haram. At the peak of the insurgency, over two-thirds of the state was under the control of terrorists, and millions were displaced. Despite these dire circumstances, Shettima's administration recorded significant achievements:

• Education Advocacy: He became a national symbol for the protection of education, famously stating, "If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation." He ensured schools remained open, rebuilt destroyed facilities, and launched scholarship programs, notably for female students.
• Agricultural Revolution: Leveraging his academic background, he launched ambitious agricultural programs like the "Borno State Agricultural Transformation Initiative" to boost food security and provide livelihoods for displaced populations.
• Infrastructure and Reconstruction: His administration undertook massive reconstruction projects in liberated communities, building housing estates, roads, and healthcare centers to facilitate the return and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Senatorial Tenure and Rise to Vice Presidency

After completing his constitutional two terms as governor, Kashim Shettima was elected as a Senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District in 2019. In the Senate, he served as the Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and was a member of other key committees, contributing his expertise on security and economic matters at the national legislative level. His political trajectory took a historic turn in 2022 when he was selected by then-presidential candidate Bola Tinubu as his running mate for the 2023 elections. This choice, seen as a strategic "Muslim-Muslim ticket," sparked national debate but ultimately proved successful. The Tinubu-Shettima ticket won the election, propelling Kashim Shettima to the office of Vice President of Nigeria.

As Vice President, his portfolio is vast. He chairs the National Economic Council (NEC), a body comprising all 36 state governors and key federal officials, which coordinates economic planning. He also plays a leading role in the administration's food security agenda, chairs committees on climate action and renewable energy, and remains a crucial advisor to the President on issues pertaining to security and the development of Nigeria's northeastern region.

Personal Life, Legacy, and Philanthropy

Beyond the corridors of power, Kashim Shettima is known as a deeply private individual, an avid reader, and a intellectual. He is married to Nana Shettima, and their union is blessed with children. His personal interests are largely centered around reading, particularly history and economics, which continually informs his policy perspectives. The legacy of Kashim Shettima is intrinsically tied to his defiant leadership in Borno State. He is widely credited with preventing a total collapse of social order and education in the face of terrorism. His unwavering commitment to keeping schools open, even in exile camps, sent a powerful message about the resilience of the human spirit against extremism.

His philanthropic efforts, though often conducted away from the limelight, have focused on educational empowerment and support for victims of terrorism. He has funded the education of countless orphans and children of fallen soldiers and civilians. The "Kashim Shettima Foundation" is reported to engage in various humanitarian interventions. The lasting impact of his work is visible in the rebuilt communities of Borno and in the thousands of students, especially girls, who continued their education because of his policies, shaping a generation that will define the future of the region.

Net Worth and Business Ventures

As a public servant for the majority of his professional life, Kashim Shettima's primary source of income has been his official salaries and allowances. Like many Nigerian public figures, his exact net worth is not a matter of public record and is often subject to speculation. He has consistently presented himself as a public servant rather than a business magnate. Prior to his full-time entry into politics, his career in academia and commercial banking provided his professional foundation. Available public asset declarations from his time as Governor and Senator indicate ownership of real estate and agricultural holdings, which are common investments in Nigeria. It is important to note that as Vice President of Nigeria, his financial disclosures are governed by the Code of Conduct Bureau, and his focus, as presented publicly, remains on his official duties in nation-building rather than on personal business ventures.