The President of the MAAUN Group of Universities, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday, describing him as an accomplished leader, bridge-builder and patriot committed to Nigeria’s development.
Gwarzo, in a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday, said Shettima’s journey from the banking sector to the highest levels of public service demonstrated his experience, dedication and commitment to serving the country.
He said the Vice President’s career had taken him through several sectors, including banking, academia and politics, before rising to become Governor of Borno State, Senator representing Borno Central and, ultimately, Vice President of Nigeria.
“Attaining the age of 60 is a remarkable milestone, particularly when viewed against the background of your accomplished career and contributions to the development of our dear country,” Gwarzo said.
He described Shettima as a “worthy example to the younger generation,” praising what he called his record of leadership, loyalty and service.
According to him, Shettima’s reputation as a bridge-builder and advocate of peace, unity and development was worthy of commendation.
Gwarzo also prayed for continued good health, wisdom and strength for the Vice President, while wishing him many more years of impactful service to humanity and Nigeria.
From academia and banking to the Presidency
Shettima, who was born in Maiduguri, Borno State, on September 2, 1966, studied Agricultural Economics at the University of Maiduguri before obtaining a master’s degree in the same field from the University of Ibadan. He briefly worked as a lecturer before moving into the banking industry.
His banking career included positions at Commercial Bank of Africa, African International Bank and Zenith Bank, where he rose to become General Manager. He left the banking sector in 2007 after his appointment as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Borno State.
He subsequently served as commissioner in several ministries before entering elective politics. Shettima was elected Governor of Borno State in 2011 and re-elected in 2015, serving two terms until 2019. His tenure coincided with some of the most difficult years of the Boko Haram insurgency in the state.
After leaving office as governor, he was elected Senator representing Borno Central in 2019. He later left the Senate after he was selected by the All Progressives Congress as Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2023 presidential election.
Following the APC’s victory in the 2023 election, Shettima became Vice President and has since worked alongside President Tinubu in implementing the administration’s policies and programmes.
President Tinubu, in his own birthday message, described Shettima as a trusted ally and partner in governing Nigeria, commending his years of service as governor and Vice President and his commitment to national unity and development.
The Vice President’s 60th birthday has consequently attracted messages from political leaders and public figures across the country, who have highlighted his transition from a banker and public administrator to one of Nigeria’s most senior political office holders.I can also turn this into a , with a sharper headline and more analytical political context.Premium Times Hausa-style report
