The University of Maiduguri, Borno State on Saturday, November 18, 2023 became a beehive of academic reminiscence as Vice President Kashim Shettima shared his reflections on the significance of education and service to humanity.
Speaking during the 24th combined Convocation Ceremony of the university, the Vice President inspired graduands as well as dignitaries at the event with lessons learnt from the school, attributing his current position to the values instilled in him during his formative years as a student.
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The Vice President, who was also honoured with an Honorary Doctorate degree by the citadel of great learning, acknowledged the profound impact of his educational journey, noting that he is a product of a civilization that valued education.
In a heartfelt address delivered at the event, the VP said, “I was born into the heart of a civilization that favoured education. So, I entered a world where a map had been provided for me—the path of scholarship. Wherever I go and whatever I do, I am reminded of this noble heritage. Wherever I go, I realized that the noblest duty a person must undertake is to serve the people.
“But, to serve humanity, one must train the mind, shape character, and find a purpose. This institution nurtured those aspirations, pointing me in a direction that has led me to where I stand today.”
Gratitude
Acknowledging the role of teachers and mentors in shaping his path, Sen. Shettima recalled their patience while imparting a great deal of knowledge to him, just as he said, “This homecoming is to express my gratitude for the lessons learned in the halls, the premises, and in the service of this esteemed institution.”
“The choices I’ve made since being certified by this institution to pursue my dream have taken me to heights I could have only imagined. In each room and at every event, I find a reason to utter a prayer for the training acquired here. I am a child of a collection of patient teachers and mentors, so I’m acutely aware that this honour is not mine alone to claim,” he added.
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The Vice President expressed his commitment as an ambassador of the University of Maiduguri, noting that it was a privilege to uphold the institution’s values, part of the reason he said he was deeply moved to accept the honorary degree.
“To you, I will always be a student, and with all the privilege to remind me of my ambassadorial duty to the University of Maiduguri. This is why I am excited that I am not here today for defying a code of conduct, for that would have meant that I failed as a flag-bearer of my alma mater.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, receiving an honorary doctorate from the institution that has been instrumental in shaping one’s formative years can only signify that one has followed the path of an indescribable principle. However, this honour is neither for me nor for you alone; it is a grand testament to the equalizing power of the education fostered here. This gathering symbolizes our collective aspirations as an institution.
“Here, on the fine sands and under the lush trees of Unimaid, I was taught that education is the brick with which a purposeful life is built. However, the education in question isn’t what you cram to pass your examinations; it’s what you do with what you have learned. I am where I am today because I learned here that intellectual curiosity is the preservative of every enduring civilization,” VP Shettima emphasized.
Threats/Attacks
The VP also recollected the security challenges faced by Maiduguri, stating that even though the city is renowned for its fidelity to education, it had come under attacks and threats.
He however noted that in the face of these challenges, the Borno State capital has remained resilient, even as he described the city as “A prime intellectual powerhouse, prepared for the disruptions of the era.”
Urging the graduates, those before them and the institution itself to become symbols of the privileges that a well-tailored education offers, the VP emphasized the importance of purpose in education, stating that the true value lies in what one does with acquired knowledge.
VP Shettima implored the graduates to dwell on the need to repay the debt owed the institution by becoming ambassadors of its values.
Honour
Accepting the honorary doctorate degree, Vice President Shettima said he considers it as an invitation to greater responsibility, just as he pledged to stay on the track that favours humanity, drawing inspiration from the invaluable lessons learned at the University of Maiduguri.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Aliyu Shugaba, had earlier thanked the Vice President for gracing the occasion, acknowledging that the VP has given much to the school.
Urging the graduates to be good and worthy ambassadors of the institution, Prof Shugaba counselled them to imbibe the spirit of entrepreneurship to enhance their livelihoods before picking up white-collar jobs.
“Every success in life brings with it challenges. You are graduating today; our nation is faced with myriads of problems. I believe the university has adequately prepared you to contribute to proffering solutions to these problems.
“The era when graduates look up to the government for answers to all problems is fast fading. I encourage you to specifically utilise your entrepreneurial training in the university to decide your employability status. Start an enterprise, no matter how small your capital or idea is,” he advised.
Noting the current challenges bedevilling the university, the Vice Chancellor appealed for more support for tertiary institutions across the country.
