In a significant move to bolster the state's academic and developmental capacity, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has granted immediate employment to 81 outstanding graduates of Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU). The announcement, made during the university's first combined convocation, marks a direct investment in local talent and the institution's future.
Convocation Ceremony Hosts High-Profile Announcement
The historic event took place on Saturday in Maiduguri, drawing a gathering of Nigeria's political and traditional elite. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, Governors Mai Mala Buni of Yobe and Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, and a representative from Kebbi State. The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, also attended alongside numerous other traditional rulers.
Governor Zulum, who serves as the Visitor to the state-owned university, declared the strategic initiative during his address. He approved the recruitment of all 81 best-graduating students from the 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 academic sessions. The beneficiaries, most of whom earned first-class and second-class upper degrees, will be appointed as lecturers at KIU.
A Dual-Pronged Investment in Excellence
The Governor framed the decision as a critical investment in Borno's development trajectory. "The automatic and immediate employment offer by the state government is a strategic investment in the state’s future development," Zulum stated. He confirmed that the appointments are effective from January 1, 2026.
Beyond the job offers, the Governor unveiled an even more comprehensive support plan. He promised that the state government would sponsor the 81 new lecturers for postgraduate studies both within Nigeria and internationally. "In sha Allah, in addition to their automatic employment, we shall also send them to study their postgraduate programmes both within and outside the country," he added.
Substantial Support from Dignitaries
The convocation was also a platform for substantial contributions to the university's growth. Vice President Kashim Shettima announced a donation of two electric buses from his office to facilitate transportation for students and staff on the campus located along the Maiduguri-Damaturu road.
The event also saw the participation of renowned philanthropist Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, whose foundation is a major supporter of education in Nigeria. Indimi had recently donated N2 billion to the University of Maiduguri's education endowment fund.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of KIU, Professor Babagana Gutti, expressed profound gratitude to all contributors who have shaped the university's journey. He highlighted the institution's achievement of producing 28 first-class graduates since its establishment in 2016.
This bold move by the Borno State government is seen as a practical step to retain top intellectual talent, strengthen KIU's faculty, and ultimately contribute to rebuilding and advancing the state through education and human capital development.
