Vice-President Kashim Shettima was on Friday honoured with the University of Ibadan’s highest alumni award, UI at 75 Ambassador Plenipotentiary, in recognition of his distinguished service in both public and private sectors.
The award was presented during a courtesy visit by the university’s management team, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kayode Adebowale, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Shettima, who earned a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan in 1991, described the recognition as deeply meaningful and paid tribute to the institution’s longstanding reputation for academic excellence.
“This is an honour that I cherish deeply. When we were there, we had students from South Africa, Namibia, and even the Caribbean. There was a time when the King of Saudi Arabia was recommended for treatment at the University College Hospital, Ibadan,” he said, recalling the university’s international standing.
Describing UI as the “greatest citadel of learning in West Africa,” the vice president assured the institution of the Federal Government’s continued support for the education sector, pledging increased mobilisation of both public and private resources.
“We are going to mobilise resources from both the private and public sectors to ensure that UI and other universities in the country succeed,” he stated.
He also highlighted key reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), aimed at supporting underprivileged students across the country.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are determined to rescue the educational sector. NELFUND is the first of its kind, directly addressing the needs of underprivileged students,” Shettima said.
Speaking on the state of the economy, the vice president expressed optimism, noting that key indicators were improving under the current administration.
“Our economy has turned the corner; we have crossed the Rubicon, and we are on the path to sustained economic growth. Tax revenue has steadily increased. The President is an economic guru who understands the language of commerce,” he added.
Earlier, Prof. Adebowale said the honour conferred on Shettima was the first of its kind in the institution’s history, created specially to acknowledge his achievements.
“You are a foremost alumnus of the University of Ibadan, the first and the best.
“We honoured some alumni as UI at 75 Ambassadors, but considering your position and accomplishments, we decided to create a special category, Ambassador Plenipotentiary, solely for you. We came here to honour one of our own, someone who has served in the banking sector, as governor of Borno State, and now as vice president of Nigeria,” the VC stated.
