Kashim Shettima

Kashim Shettima Mustapha, born on 2 September 1966, is a Nigerian politician who serves as the 15th and current vice president of Nigeria. His political career includes roles as senator for Borno Central (2019–2023) and governor of Borno State (2011–2019).

Born in Maiduguri, Shettima pursued higher education at the University of Maiduguri and the University of Ibadan, earning a BSc in agricultural economics in 1989 and an MSc in Agricultural Economics in 1991. He began his academic career as a lecturer at the University of Maiduguri before transitioning into banking.

He ascended through executive roles in banks, including managing Zenith Bank’s Maiduguri branch before resigning in 2007 to join Borno State’s cabinet under Governor Ali Modu Sheriff. His tenure in the cabinet spanned four years, during which he held various ministerial positions, including Finance and Economic Development, Local Governments, Chieftaincy Affairs, Education, Agriculture, and Health.

After serving in the cabinet, Shettima won the 2011 Borno State governorship election, defeating the PDP candidate, and was re-elected in 2015 with a significantly larger margin. His administration faced challenges from the Boko Haram insurgency, which led to a

rebuild-as-they-destroy

approach. He focused on educational and infrastructural recovery, constructing over 40

mega schools

to support displaced children and implementing housing projects in affected areas.

Shettima’s tenure was marked by efforts to address economic alternatives to radicalization through agricultural reforms and an Industrial Park in Maiduguri. He also established the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement (RRR) to centralize recovery efforts. His policies included ring-fenced funds for orphaned children’s education and the creation of the Borno State University.

In 2019, he won the Borno Central senatorial election, replacing Senator Babakaka Bashir. During his Senate term, he sponsored bills like the Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill and the Geospatial Information Regulation Bill to modernize Nigeria’s legal and security frameworks. He later became a key political mediator and advocate for socio-economic development to counter Boko Haram.

Shettima played a pivotal role in the 2023 APC presidential primaries, supporting Bola Tinubu’s candidacy. After withdrawing from the Senate nomination, he became Tinubu’s running mate, resigning from the Senate in 2023 to assume the vice presidency. He was sworn in on 29 May 2023, overseeing economic planning and advising the president. His tenure includes addressing regional security concerns, such as the North West Peace & Security Summit in 2024.

A Muslim from a family of Shettima Mustafa Kuttayibe, Shettima’s name means

wise one,

in Kanuri. He is married to Nana Shettima and has three children. His early education included Lamisula Primary School, Government Secondary School, Biu, and Government Science Secondary School, Potiskum, before studying at the University of Maiduguri and the University of Ibadan.