Kashim Shettima

Kashim Shettima is a Nigerian politician and banker who serves as the 15th Vice President of Nigeria, having taken office on 29 May 2023 alongside President Bola Tinubu. He previously served as the Governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019, where he was noted for his administration's response to the Boko Haram insurgency. A member of the All Progressives Congress, Shettima's career includes significant roles in the banking sector before his entry into politics.

Early life and education

Kashim Shettima was born on 2 September 1966 in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria. He completed his secondary education at the prestigious Government College, Maiduguri. For his tertiary education, he attended the University of Maiduguri, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics in 1989. He furthered his academic pursuits at the University of Ibadan, obtaining a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics in 1991. His early professional career was in academia, where he lectured at the University of Maiduguri before transitioning into the banking sector.

Political career

Shettima's political career began with his appointment as Commissioner for Finance in Borno State under Governor Ali Modu Sheriff in 2007. He later served as Commissioner for Education in the same administration. In 2011, he was elected Governor of Borno State, succeeding Ali Modu Sheriff, and was re-elected for a second term in 2015. His tenure was dominated by the severe challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency, which caused widespread displacement and humanitarian crisis. He worked closely with the Nigerian Armed Forces and international partners like the United Nations and the World Bank on reconstruction and counter-insurgency efforts. A key political figure within the All Progressives Congress, he served as the party's Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 Nigerian general election.

Vice presidency

Kashim Shettima was inaugurated as Vice President of Nigeria on 29 May 2023, following the victory of the All Progressives Congress ticket led by Bola Tinubu in the 2023 Nigerian general election. His selection as running mate was seen as a strategic move to balance the ticket geographically and religiously. As Vice President, he chairs the National Economic Council and has been assigned by President Tinubu to oversee key administration priorities, including economic interventions and social investment programs. He has represented Nigeria at several international forums, including the United Nations General Assembly and meetings of the African Union.

Personal life

Shettima is married to Nana Shettima, and the couple has children. He is known to be a devout Muslim. His interests include reading, with a noted focus on history and economics. During his time as Governor, he maintained a reputation for accessibility and was often seen engaging directly with constituents in Maiduguri and across Borno State, even at the height of the security crisis.

Awards and recognition

For his leadership in Borno State, Shettima received the National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger in 2014. He has been recognized by several organizations for his educational reforms and humanitarian work, including awards from the Nigerian Union of Teachers and the Arewa Consultative Forum. In 2018, the African Leadership Magazine presented him with a award for his contributions to governance and development in the Lake Chad region.

Category:1966 births Category:Living people Category:Vice presidents of Nigeria Category:Governors of Borno State Category:All Progressives Congress politicians