Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Saturday, said no investment in education is ever a gamble, describing the sector as a deliberate commitment to securing a better and more prosperous future for Nigeria.

Speaking at the combined convocation ceremonies of Kashim Ibrahim University in Maiduguri, Borno State, where 2,294 students graduated across the 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions, the Vice President said education remains the most powerful tool for development, economic empowerment and societal liberation.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “no investment in education is ever a gamble. It is a conscious plan for a better, more secure future”.

He urged the graduating students to see themselves as ambassadors of integrity, service and excellence, stressing that their conduct would define 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 admonished.

Reflecting on the North-East’s painful history, the Vice President noted that Borno State understands the consequences of neglecting education, having endured 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 graduands as pioneers, Shettima said history has placed a special responsibility on them.

“You are the first torchbearers of this institution. History will judge this university by what you become and how you conduct yourselves,” he added.

The Vice President commended the academic and administrative leadership of the university, including its pioneer Vice-Chancellor, current management and staff, for laying “a solid foundation for learning in the heart of the North-East.”

He also praised Borno State Governor, Professor 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,” Shettima said.

Shettima further applauded the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Muhammadu Indimi, for his commitment to the state, especially during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, noting that “his wealth has consistently been deployed for the good of society”.

In a symbolic gesture, the Vice President announced the donation of two electric vehicles to support the university’s shuttle services, saying “these vehicles are a modest contribution to ease mobility within the campus and support the learning environment”.

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,” the governor said.

The Chancellor of the University, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi II, pledged to work for 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.

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

Highlights of the ceremony included the installation of the Ooni of Ife as Chancellor, the conferment of honorary Doctor of Letters degrees on him and Alhaji Indimi, as well as the award of MSc and PhD scholarships to best graduating students by the Vice President. (The Nation)