The Ooni of Ife has been formally installed as Chancellor. This happened at Kashim Ibrahim University’s historic maiden combined convocation. Vice President Kashim Shettima served as Special Guest of Honour.
The ceremony took place on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Over 2,000 students received degrees across three academic sessions. Governor Babagana Zulum announced automatic employment for best graduates.
Ooni Praises Zulum’s Leadership, Pledges Investment Drive for Borno
His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), was installed as Chancellor. The investiture preceded the degree conferment at the Convocation Square. He also received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree.
“I accept this responsibility with humility and commitment. I will work tirelessly to advance the development of Kashim Ibrahim University,” the monarch declared during his acceptance speech.
The Ooni had arrived in Maiduguri on Friday evening. He was accompanied by a high-powered delegation of traditional rulers and dignitaries, including the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole Adebayo; the Alaagba of Aagba, Oba Rufus Olayinka Ogunwole; the Onigbaye of Igbaye, Oba Joseph Okunlola Oni; and the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Adesoji Oladepo.
He met privately with Governor Zulum at the Government House. The monarch expressed deep admiration for the governor’s reconstruction efforts. “I like what you are doing, I am very proud of you. I want to come closer to you. I have been a fan of yours for a long time, and you are a role model to many young people in this country,” the Ooni stated.
Furthermore, the royal father described his experience in the state capital. “You have always been passionate about Maiduguri, and I always say to myself, ‘what is in Maiduguri that you are so passionate about?’ But today I came to Maiduguri, and I now see why you are always running back. I felt it when I came here. Honestly speaking, Borno is a beautiful state,” he remarked.
The Ooni pledged to mobilize investors to Borno State. He highlighted the state’s vast agricultural potential during the meeting. “I am an advocate now, I will tell people to come and invest, I saw a vast amount of land, arable for any kind of farming, this state can indeed feed the entire country,” he promised.
Additionally, the monarch emphasized historical connections between ethnic groups. “For me, as a traditional ruler from Ife, the Kanuris are our cousins, we are blood relatives, very strongly as in very, very strongly. I am a student of history, and I met our link and our affiliation,” he explained.
Governor Zulum responded with appreciation for the Ooni’s acceptance. He described the monarch as a unifying figure and a dedicated champion of national unity and cultural preservation. The governor pledged continued commitment to sustainable development.
The appointment carries symbolic significance beyond academic leadership. Zulum said the appointment is aimed at strengthening the historic bond between the Kanem-Bornu Empire and the Ile-Ife Kingdom.
Moreover, the SSG elaborated on the historical importance. “Both kingdoms are old kingdoms in Africa that have been there for more than 1,000 years. And this appointment rekindle this relations, and it is a testament that traditional relations can be rejuvenated in order to a better united Nigeria,” Mallam Bukar Tijani stated.
Shettima: Education Not a Gamble But Investment in Nigeria’s Future
Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered the keynote address. The ceremony saw 2,294 students graduate from three academic sessions – 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025. Among them, 28 students earned First Class honours degrees.
“No investment in education is ever a gamble. It is a conscious plan for a better, more secure future,” Shettima declared during his address. He described education as the most powerful tool available.
The Vice President urged graduates to maintain high standards. “Wherever life takes you, you carry the name and values of Kashim Ibrahim University. You must shun ethical shortcuts and moral compromise,” he admonished.
Moreover, Shettima reflected on the North-East’s difficult history. “Borno has paid a heavy price for the years education was disrupted. Yet, the people chose resilience over despair and learning over loss,” he noted.
The Vice President described the graduates as pioneers. “You are the first torchbearers of this institution. History will judge this university by what you become and how you conduct yourselves,” he added.
Furthermore, Shettima commended the university’s leadership team. He praised the “pioneer Vice-Chancellor, current management and staff, for laying a solid foundation for learning in the heart of the North-East.”
Zulum Announces Jobs, Scholarships for 81 Best Graduates
Governor Zulum made a significant announcement during the ceremony. The state will employ 81 best graduating students automatically. Additionally, they will receive immediate postgraduate sponsorships both locally and internationally.
“Excellence must be rewarded. These young men and women have earned the confidence of the Borno State Government,” the governor said.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Babagana Gutti disclosed ambitious expansion plans. “When completed, our teaching hospital will stand as a national reference point for medical training and service delivery,” he revealed.
The ultra-modern teaching hospital is nearing completion. It will reportedly be the largest and most equipped in Nigeria. This represents a significant milestone for medical education in the region.
Professor Gutti said the ceremony represents not just the passage of time, but “a celebration of impactful and transformative service that touches on the lives of our future leaders, the immediate community and our nation as a whole.”
The university was established in 2016 as Borno State University. In January 2025, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State approved the renaming of the institution to Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, to honour the first Northern Nigeria’s first Governor, Sir Kashim Ibrahim.
Breakdown of Graduating Classes Shows Steady Growth
The first set graduated 523 students from 2022/2023 session, out of which, five graduated with First Class.
In the second set – 2023/2024 Academic Session – the university graduated 489 students, among which 10 graduated with First Class across four faculties.
The third set – 2024/2025 Academic Session – saw the university graduate 1,282 students, out of which 13 students graduated with First Class across the four faculties.
This progressive growth demonstrates the institution’s rising academic standards. The increasing number of First Class graduates reflects improved quality.
A pre-convocation lecture preceded the main ceremony on Friday. Professor Michael O. Faborode delivered the address. He formerly served as Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The lecture was titled, “Insecurity and Environmental Fragility in the Lake Chad Basin Areas: Education, Health and Sustainable Agriculture Tripartite to the Rescue”.
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 Muhammadu Indimi, as well as the award of MSc and PhD scholarships to best graduating students.
The ceremony attracted prominent personalities from across Nigeria. Government representatives and traditional rulers attended in large numbers. Corporate executives and security chiefs were also present.
The Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the monarch’s presence in Maiduguri symbolised national unity and cultural solidarity.
The Ooni also visited the Shehu of Borno. He proceeded to the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar ibn Umar Garba el-Kanemi, the spiritual, political and cultural leader of the Kanuri people worldwide.
The convocation marks a significant milestone for Borno State. It demonstrates resilience amid security challenges that plagued the region. The state continues rebuilding its educational infrastructure after years of insurgency.
Governor Zulum’s administration has prioritized education since taking office in 2019. The convocation represents the fruition of sustained investment in human capital. It signals hope for the North-East region’s educational renaissance and recovery.