Kashim Shettima Mustapha is the 15th and current Vice President of Nigeria. Born on 2 September 1966 in Maiduguri, Borno State, he is a Nigerian politician, banker, and agricultural economist who has served in key leadership roles, including Governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019 and Senator for Borno Central from 2019 to 2023.
His career spans academia, banking, and public service, marked by resilience during the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State. As governor, he focused on reconstruction, education, health, and security amid crisis. He later supported national politics as a senator and vice presidential running mate to Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election. Shettima brings expertise in economic planning, agriculture, and governance to the role of Vice President.
Kashim Shettima Early Life
Kashim Shettima Mustapha was born on 2 September 1966 in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, into a Muslim Kanuri family. His father was Shettima Mustafa Kuttayibe, and his mother was Hajja Nana Kujarima Shettima, linked to the El-Kanemi royal family. The name Shettima means “wise one” in the Kanuri language. He grew up in Maiduguri, in a region rich in cultural heritage but later affected by conflict.
Borno State, his state of origin, is in northeastern Nigeria. It borders Niger, Chad, and Cameroon and features diverse landscapes, including the Lake Chad basin. Historically significant as part of the Kanem-Borno Empire, it is known for agriculture, fishing, and trade. The Kanuri people form a major ethnic group, with Islam as the predominant religion. Borno has faced challenges from insurgency but remains vital for its people and resources. Shettima’s roots in this state shaped his commitment to its development and resilience.
Kashim Shettima Education
Shettima started his education at Lamisula Primary School in Maiduguri from 1972 to 1978. He then attended Government Secondary School in Biu, southern Borno State, from 1978 to 1980. He completed secondary education at Government Science Secondary School in Potiskum (now in Yobe State) in 1983, earning his West African School Certificate.
He earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Maiduguri in 1989. He completed his one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Nigerian Agricultural Cooperative Bank in Calabar, Cross River State, from 1989 to 1990. He obtained a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan in 1991.
This academic background in agricultural economics equipped him with knowledge of food systems, rural development, and economic planning, which proved valuable in his later roles in banking, governance, and national policy.
Kashim Shettima Early Career
After his master’s degree, Shettima lectured in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Maiduguri from 1991 to 1993. He then entered banking. He worked in the Accounts Department of the Commercial Bank for Africa in Lagos from 1993 to 1997 as head of accounts.
In 1997, he joined African International Bank Limited as Deputy Manager and rose to Manager by 2001. In 2001, he moved to Zenith Bank as head of its main branch in Maiduguri. He advanced to Senior Manager and Branch Head, Assistant General Manager and Zonal Head (North-East), Deputy General Manager and Zonal Head (North-East), and eventually General Manager before leaving in 2007.
His banking experience highlighted skills in finance, management, and economic strategy, which he applied to public service.
Kashim Shettima Political Career
Shettima entered politics in 2007 as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Borno State under Governor Ali Modu Sheriff. He later served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Education, Agriculture, and Health. These roles provided broad administrative experience.
Kashim Shettima Governor of Borno State
In 2011, after the assassination of the initial ANPP governorship candidate Modu Fannami Gubio, Shettima won the party’s ticket and the general election. He served as Governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019, winning re-election in 2015 with a larger margin.
His tenure coincided with the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency. He prioritized security by supporting military efforts and creating the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), a local vigilante group that aided in reclaiming territories. He focused on reconstruction through the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement.
Achievements included building over 30,000 homes in affected areas like Bama and Gwoza, constructing or renovating schools (including over 40 mega primary schools and new secondary schools), and improving healthcare with new hospitals and increased medical staff. He established Borno State University and promoted agriculture with inputs, machinery, and irrigation projects despite challenges.
As Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, he addressed regional issues. His leadership earned recognition for balancing crisis response with development.
Kashim Shettima As Senator
Shettima served as Senator for Borno Central from 2019 to 2023. He chaired the Senate Committee on Interior and sponsored bills like the Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill and the Geospatial Information Regulation Bill to tackle security and technology issues.
He advocated for socio-economic approaches to counter insurgency and supported a smooth transition to his successor as governor, Babagana Zulum. He played a key role in the APC’s 2023 campaign.
Kashim Shettima As Vice President of Nigeria
Shettima became Vice President on 29 May 2023 alongside President Bola Tinubu. He chairs the National Economic Council and focuses on economic coordination, food security, nutrition, and MSME support. Initiatives include the Nutrition 774 program, MSME clinics, and agricultural empowerment efforts.
He has represented Nigeria internationally, securing investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and technology. His role emphasizes policy implementation for economic recovery and inclusion.
Kashim Shettima Awards
Shettima has received several honors, including Governor of the Year awards from Leadership Newspapers (2014), Nigerian Union of Journalists (2015), NewsWatch Times (2015), and Vanguard Newspapers (2015). He also earned the Zik Prize for Leadership and the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in 2023. Other recognitions include honorary doctorates and alumni awards.
Kashim Shettima Personal Life
Shettima married Nana Usman Alkali (Hajiya Nana Shettima) in 1998. They have three children: two daughters (including Amira) and one son. He is a devout Muslim, fluent in Kanuri, Hausa, and English, and enjoys reading and table tennis. His family maintains a low public profile while supporting humanitarian efforts.
Conclusion
Kashim Shettima’s journey from banking executive to Vice President reflects dedication to public service, especially in crisis. His work in Borno during insurgency and national economic roles demonstrate a focus on resilience, education, agriculture, and unity. As Vice President, he continues to support Nigeria’s development goals.
FAQs
Who is Kashim Shettima?
Kashim Shettima Mustapha is the current Vice President of Nigeria, a former governor, senator, and banker.
When and where was Kashim Shettima born?
He was born on 2 September 1966 in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
What is Kashim Shettima’s educational background?
He holds a BSc in Agricultural Economics from the University of Maiduguri and an MSc from the University of Ibadan.
What positions has Kashim Shettima held?
He served as a bank executive, state commissioner, Governor of Borno State (2011–2019), Senator (2019–2023), and Vice President since 2023.
What are some key achievements of Kashim Shettima as governor?
Key achievements include large-scale reconstruction of homes and schools, healthcare improvements, agricultural support, and security initiatives during the insurgency.
Is Kashim Shettima married?
Yes, he is married to Nana Shettima, and they have three children.
What awards has Kashim Shettima received?
He has received multiple Governor of the Year awards and the GCON national honor, among others.
What is Kashim Shettima’s role in the current administration?
As Vice President, he oversees economic planning through the National Economic Council and supports initiatives in agriculture, MSMEs, and nutrition.
Where is Kashim Shettima from?
He is from Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, of Kanuri ethnic origin.
What languages does Kashim Shettima speak?
He is fluent in Kanuri, Hausa, and English.