Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s education sector through increased funding and comprehensive reforms.
He made the pledge while delivering the University of Maiduguri’s 50th Anniversary Lecture titled “Education, Leadership and National Development” at the Muhammadu Indimi International Conference Centre, Maiduguri.
The event also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on Borno State Governor and Chairman of the North East Governors’ Forum, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; the Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji Najib Hussaini Adamu; and philanthropist Sir Emeka Offor.
Education as Nigeria’s ‘Immune System’
In his address, Vice President Shettima described education as the “immune system of the nation,” stressing that it remains the most dependable vehicle for national development.
He commended the University of Maiduguri for its five decades of impactful service, noting that the institution has consistently produced graduates who contribute significantly to national growth.
Shettima highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning the sector by allocating ₦3.5 trillion, representing 7.3% of the 2025 national budget, to education.
Impact of Insurgency on Education in Borno
The Vice President lamented the severe impact of insurgency on the education sector in Borno State. He disclosed that between 2009 and 2021, more than 500 schools were attacked, 2,246 teachers killed, and between 2,295 and 5,000 classrooms destroyed.
“These attacks were ideological,” Shettima said. “The attackers knew that an educated population cannot be manipulated or enslaved. By attacking schools, they were attempting to kill the future.”
Ongoing Reforms and Student Loan Intervention
Shettima outlined several reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu designed to ensure equitable and affordable access to education. These include:
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has already disbursed ₦110 billion in interest-free loans to more than 328,000 students.
Government-backed digital transformation programmes aimed at embedding skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, and other emerging technologies.
The Vice President called for collective action from stakeholders, stressing that “government cannot do it alone” in addressing the challenges confronting the education sector.
UNIMAID Re-launches Endowment Fund, Raises Over ₦5 Billion
As part of its golden jubilee celebration, the University of Maiduguri officially re-launched its Endowment Fund, pulling in more than ₦5 billion in donations.
Chief launcher and Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, announced a personal contribution of ₦2 billion, describing the investment as a strategic step toward securing the future of education in Nigeria.
The North-East Governors, led by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, donated ₦1.8 billion, while the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) committed ₦750 million, comprising ₦250 million in cash and ₦500 million worth of project support.
The revitalized endowment fund is expected to significantly enhance infrastructure development, research advancement, and academic excellence at the institution.