• Receives highest alumni honour, “UI at 75 Ambassador Plenipotentiary”
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s education system under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, speaking during a courtesy visit by the University of Ibadan (UI) management to the Presidential Villa, Shettima spotlighted plans to mobilize resources from both public and private sectors to enhance the nation’s premier universities, including UI.
The Vice President, an alumnus of UI with a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics earned in 1991, was recently honoured with the institution’s highest alumni award: “UI at 75 Ambassador Plenipotentiary.” This recognition marks the first time the university has bestowed this unique title.
Describing UI as “the greatest citadel of learning in this country and in West Africa,” Shettima recalled its historic and continental significance: “There was a time when the King of Saudi Arabia was sick and he was recommended for treatment at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. When we were there, we had students from South Africa, Namibia, and even the Caribbean.”
He underscored the government’s pledge to back higher education through resource mobilization. “We are going to mobilise resources from both the private and public sectors to ensure that UI and other universities in the country succeed.”
Highlighting education-related policies under President Tinubu’s administration, the Vice President pointed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds:
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are determined to rescue the educational sector. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund is the first of its kind, directly addressing the needs of underprivileged students.”
On the country’s economic outlook, Shettima expressed optimism: “Our economy has turned the corner, we have crossed the Rubicon, and we are on the path to sustained economic growth. The tax revenue of the government has steadily increased. The President is an economic guru who understands the language of commerce and is completely at home in the economic ecosystem.”
University of Ibadan Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, explained that the Ambassador Plenipotentiary award was a singular distinction acknowledging Shettima’s impact across sectors.
“You are a foremost alumnus of the University of Ibadan — the first and the best,” Adebowale said. “For the position you have assumed and being an alumnus of our university, we exceptionally put you in a class and decided to induct you as UI at 75 Ambassador Plenipotentiary. You will be the only person to be so awarded.”
The delegation included key UI officials who accompanied the Vice Chancellor during the visit.
