Yobe State governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has celebrated the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree on Dr Kole Shettima, Nigeria and Africa director of the MacArthur Foundation, by the Federal University Kashere (FUK), Gombe State.
Governor Buni, who was represented by the secretary to the state government, Baba Malam Wali, at the ceremony on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, described the recognition as a well-deserved honour for a distinguished son of Yobe State.
A statement issued by the press secretary to the secretary to the state government, Alhaji Shuaibu Abdullahi, said the governor, while speaking on behalf of the government and the people of Yobe, congratulated Dr Shettima for his exceptional achievements in the fields of education, philanthropy, and international development, which have brought pride not only to Yobe but to Nigeria and the continent at large.
The governor said, “This is a moment of immense pride for all of us in Yobe. Dr Kole Shettima has demonstrated excellence, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to social progress. His recognition by a prestigious academic institution is a testament to his tireless contributions to human development across Africa.”
Buni further noted with appreciation that this is the second time Federal University Kashere has honoured a prominent Yobe indigene with an honorary doctorate, with the first one in 2019, when the institution posthumously honoured the late Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to celebrating excellence, promoting education, and supporting sons and daughters of Yobe who distinguish themselves nationally and internationally.
“Dr Shettima’s honour reinforces the fact that our people are capable of achieving greatness in all spheres of life. We are proud of him and confident that he will continue to make Yobe and Nigeria proud,” the governor added.
The ceremony was part of the university’s 7th–13th combined convocation, which drew dignitaries from across the country.
Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya served as the special guest of honour, alongside federal ministers, members of the National Assembly, university officials, and other top government functionaries.
The Yobe State delegation included the commissioner of finance, Alhaji Muhammad Abacha Geidam; the commissioner for higher education, Prof. Bello Kawuwa; the commissioner for basic and secondary education, Assoc. Prof. Abba Idris Adam, and the special adviser to the governor on judicial matters, Barr. Baba Dala.
Other recipients of honorary degrees at the convocation included the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi and the university’s chancellor, Ambassador Dr Lawrence Agbuzu.
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