Kashim Shettima

Kashim Shettima: Biography Kashim Shettima Mustapha (born September 2, 1966) is a Nigerian politician who currently serves as the Vice President of Nigeria, having assumed office on May 29, 2023. Prior to this, he held significant roles in both the executive and legislative branches, most notably as the Governor of Borno State and later as a Senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District. He is recognized as a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and for his governance during challenging periods marked by the Boko Haram insurgency. Early Life and Education Kashim Shettima was born in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. He completed his primary and secondary education in Maiduguri. He then attended the University of Maiduguri, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics in 1989. Following his undergraduate studies, he pursued a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Ibadan, completing it in 1991. Career Progression Shettima began his professional career in the banking sector. From 1993 to 1997, he worked with the Commercial Bank of Africa, holding several senior management positions. He later joined the African International Bank (AIB) and rose to the position of Deputy Manager. In 1999, he transitioned into academia, serving as a lecturer at the Ramat Polytechnic in Maiduguri. His political career commenced in 2007 when he was appointed Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Borno State. Over the next four years, he served as a Commissioner in five different ministries: Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Education, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Health. This broad executive experience prepared him for the state’s highest office. Governor of Borno State In 2011, Kashim Shettima was elected Governor of Borno State under the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and he was re-elected in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). His tenure (2011–2019) coincided with the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency, which devastated much of the state. Despite the security challenges, his administration focused heavily on counter-insurgency efforts, reconstruction, and socio-economic development. He prioritized education by establishing numerous secondary schools and implementing initiatives to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Major Achievements and Notable Works Shettima’s major achievement as governor was his leadership and resilience in managing a state gripped by extreme violence. He spearheaded the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and residential areas, aimed at facilitating the return of displaced communities. His notable works include the establishment of the Borno State University and significant investment in healthcare and agricultural revitalization, even in volatile areas. In 2019, following his successful two terms as governor, he was elected to the Nigerian Senate, representing the Borno Central Senatorial District. Current Status In 2022, Kashim Shettima was selected as the running mate to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate. Following their victory in the 2023 presidential election, he was sworn in as the 16th Vice President of Nigeria on May 29, 2023. In this role, he works alongside President Tinubu on national policies, economic planning, and addressing security and developmental challenges across the country.