🔥 Trending Who is Kashim Shettima? Tinubu's 2027 Running Mate

Kashim Shettima is a prominent Nigerian politician currently serving as the Vice President of Nigeria. He assumed office on May 29, 2023, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His political career spans several key roles, primarily in Borno State, before reaching the national stage.

Early Life and Education

Born on September 2, 1966, in Maiduguri, Borno State, Shettima's early life was rooted in the region he would later govern. He pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Maiduguri in 1989. He later obtained a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan in 1991.

Career Before Politics

Before fully entering the political arena, Shettima had a diverse career, including:

• Lecturer: He worked as a lecturer at the University of Maiduguri.
• Banking Sector: He transitioned into the banking industry, holding various managerial positions in several banks, including Commercial Bank of Africa, African International Bank (AIB), and Zenith Bank Plc, where he rose to become a General Manager. This background in finance and economics often informs his policy perspectives.

Political Journey

Shettima's political trajectory began in Borno State, where he held several commissioner positions under the administration of Governor Ali Modu Sheriff:

• Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development
• Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
• Commissioner for Education
• Commissioner for Agriculture
• Commissioner for Health

Governor of Borno State (2011-2019)

His most significant role prior to the Vice Presidency was serving as the Governor of Borno State for two terms, from 2011 to 2019. This period was particularly challenging due to the severe insurgency by Boko Haram in the region. As governor, Shettima was at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, focusing on:

• Security: Working closely with security agencies to combat Boko Haram, despite the immense difficulties.
• Reconstruction and Rehabilitation: Initiating programs for the rebuilding of communities destroyed by the insurgency and the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
• Education: Despite the security challenges, he made efforts to improve the education sector, which was heavily targeted by insurgents.

Senator Representing Borno Central (2019-2023)

After his tenure as governor, Shettima was elected as the Senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly in 2019. In the Senate, he continued to advocate for the development of his state and the North-East region, focusing on issues of security, humanitarian aid, and economic recovery.

Vice President of Nigeria (2023-Present)

Kashim Shettima was selected as the running mate to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election. Their ticket emerged victorious, and he was sworn in as the 15th Vice President of Nigeria on May 29, 2023.

Why He Is Currently in the News

Shettima is currently in the news primarily because of his role as the Vice President of Nigeria. In this capacity, he is actively involved in the administration's policies and initiatives, which include:

• Economic Reforms: Supporting President Tinubu's economic policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and efforts to stabilize the Nigerian economy.
• Security Challenges: Continuing to play a role in addressing Nigeria's persistent security issues, drawing on his experience as Borno State Governor.
• International Engagements: Representing Nigeria at various international forums and diplomatic engagements.
• Policy Implementation: Overseeing and contributing to the implementation of the government's agenda across various sectors.

His background, particularly his experience in a state heavily affected by insurgency and his economic knowledge, positions him as a key figure in the current Nigerian government's efforts to tackle national challenges.