Kashim Shettima Mustapha GCON is a Nigerian politician currently serving as the 15th Vice President of Nigeria. Prior to this role, he represented Borno Central as a senator from 2019 to 2023 and served as the governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019.

Kashim Shettima’s career has spanned several sectors, including academia, banking, and politics, marking him as a prominent figure in Nigerian public life.

Academia
Kashim Shettima began his professional journey in academia shortly after completing his master’s degree. From 1991 to 1993, he served as a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Maiduguri. His time as an academic helped lay a strong foundation for his analytical and leadership skills, which would later serve him in public office.

Banking
After his stint in academia, Shettima transitioned into the banking industry, where he rapidly ascended the ranks. He held several senior executive roles at various financial institutions. His most notable role was as the manager of Zenith Bank’s Maiduguri office, which he assumed in the mid-2000s. This experience in the banking sector helped Shettima build a reputation for strong leadership and financial acumen.

Entry into Politics
Kashim Shettima entered politics in 2007 when he was appointed as a commissioner in the cabinet of Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff. He held several key portfolios during his time in the cabinet, including overseeing ministries such as Finance, Health, and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. His performance in these roles helped to elevate his political profile in the state.

Governor of Borno State (2011-2019)
In 2011, Shettima was elected as the Governor of Borno State under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) banner, which later merged with the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was re-elected for a second term in 2015. His tenure as governor was marked by the challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency, which severely affected Borno State. Despite the insurgency, Shettima worked on rebuilding the state’s infrastructure and promoting education and healthcare in the region.

Senator for Borno Central (2019-present)
After completing his two terms as governor, Kashim Shettima was elected to the Nigerian Senate in 2019, representing Borno Central. His tenure as a senator has been characterized by his advocacy for rebuilding the northeastern region of Nigeria, which has been ravaged by insurgency. He also played a significant role in national policymaking and was an influential figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Vice Presidential Candidacy (2023 Election)
In 2022, Kashim Shettima was selected as the running mate to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections. The Tinubu-Shettima ticket won the election, and Shettima was sworn in as Vice President of Nigeria in May 2023. As Vice President, he focuses on economic development, security, and infrastructural growth, with a specific emphasis on improving the situation in northern Nigeria.

Shettima’s career trajectory, from academia and banking to high-level politics, reflects his versatility and dedication to public service in Nigeria.

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Kashim Shettima is a family man who is married to Nana Shettima. Together, they have been blessed with three children, comprising two daughters and one son. Their children’s names are Armir Shettima, Fatima Shettima, and Amira Shettima.

Among his children, his daughter Fatima Shettima holds a significant place, and she is one of the two daughters in the family. In addition to his two daughters, Kashim Shettima also has a son named Armir Shettima, completing the family unit.

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