Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s education sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Shettima made the pledge on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a courtesy visit by the management team of the University of Ibadan (UI), led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale.
The visit also featured the formal presentation of the “UI at 75 Ambassador Plenipotentiary” award to the Vice President—an honour conferred for the first time in the university’s history.
Shettima, an alumnus of the university who earned a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics in 1991, expressed deep appreciation for the recognition. He described UI as the “greatest citadel of learning in West Africa,” recalling its legacy of academic excellence and continental influence.
“This is an honour that I cherish deeply. When we were there, we had students from South Africa, Namibia, and even the Caribbean,” the Vice President said.
He recounted how the University College Hospital, Ibadan, was once highly regarded globally, noting that it was recommended for the treatment of the King of Saudi Arabia.
Shettima said the Tinubu administration was determined to ensure the transformation of educational institutions across the country, pledging to mobilise both private and public sector support to uplift institutions like UI.
“We are going to mobilise resources from both the private and public sectors to ensure that UI and other universities in the country succeed,” he stated.
Highlighting key initiatives, the Vice President cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a direct response to the challenges faced by indigent students.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are determined to rescue the educational sector,” he said.
Speaking on the nation’s economy, Shettima maintained that Nigeria had begun a path of sustained recovery, noting improvements in revenue generation.
“Our economy has turned the corner. The tax revenue of the government has steadily increased. The President is an economic guru who understands the language of commerce,” he said.
Earlier, Professor Adebowale said the Vice President’s investiture as “Ambassador Plenipotentiary” was a singular recognition of his contributions to both the public and private sectors.
“You are a foremost alumnus of the University of Ibadan — the first and the best,” Adebowale said.
He noted that while some distinguished individuals had previously been honoured as “UI at 75 Ambassadors Extraordinary,” Shettima’s role as an alumnus and national leader earned him a unique distinction.
“You are the only one to be so honoured as UI at 75 Ambassador Plenipotentiary,” the VC added.
The UI delegation also included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba; University Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu Oke Saliu; Director of Alumni Relations, Professor Olakunbi O. Olasope; Classics Department lecturer, Babatunde Blavo; and Mr. Oladayo Olajide of the Directorate of Public Communications.
