Kashim Shettima Biography
Kashim Shettima Mustapha, born on September 2, 1966, is a Nigerian politician currently serving as the 15th Vice President of Nigeria. Addition to this role, he represented Borno Central as a senator between 2019 and 2023 and was Governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019.
Kashim Shettima Early Life
Kashim Shettima was born in Maiduguri in 1966. He studied at the University of Maiduguri and later earned a postgraduate degree from the University of Ibadan. After his studies, he moved into the banking and business sector, where he held several top management positions.
By the mid-2000s, he was managing Zenith Bank’s Maiduguri branch. In 2007, he entered politics, joining the cabinet of Governor Ali Modu Sheriff. After four years in various ministerial roles, he contested and won the governorship of Borno State in 2011, securing a second term in 2015 despite the height of the Boko Haram insurgency. He stepped down in 2019 and was elected to the Senate. Though he initially secured re-election in 2023, he withdrew to serve as Bola Tinubu’s running mate, with Kaka-Shehu Lawan replacing him as the senatorial candidate.
Kashim Shettima Family
Kashim Shettima was born into the family of Shettima Mustafa Kuttayibe in Maiduguri, then part of the Northern Region. He is married to Nana Shettima, and together they have three children.
Kashim Shettima Age
Born on September 2, 1966, Kashim Shettima is 67 years old.
Kashim Shettima Education
He began his education at Lamisula Primary School in Maiduguri (1972–1978), proceeded to Government Community Secondary School, Biu (1978–1980), and then to Government Science Secondary School, Potiskum (now in Yobe State), where he completed his secondary studies in 1983.
Kashim Shettima later enrolled at the University of Maiduguri, graduating with a degree in Agricultural Economics in 1989. He completed his National Youth Service at the Nigerian Agricultural Cooperative Bank in Calabar (1989–1990) before pursuing a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Ibadan, which he obtained in 1991. From 1991 to 1993, he lectured in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Maiduguri.
Kashim Shettima Career
Kashim Shettima entered the banking industry in 1993, working with the now-defunct Commercial Bank of Africa Limited in Lagos as an account manager until 1997. He then joined African International Bank Limited, where he rose from Vice President to Chairman by 2001.
In the same year, he moved to Zenith Bank, becoming Branch Manager in Maiduguri and later rising to Assistant General Manager, Zonal Manager (North East), and eventually Deputy General Manager. By 2006, he was Managing Director of the Maiduguri branch.
In 2007, he transitioned to public service, becoming Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Borno State under Governor Ali Modu Sheriff. He also oversaw other ministries before contesting for governor.
Political Career
Between 2007 and 2011, Kashim Shettima held multiple cabinet positions in Borno State. After the assassination of the original ANPP gubernatorial candidate, Modu Fannami Gubio, he emerged as the party’s candidate and won the 2011 election with 531,147 votes, defeating his closest rival who polled 450,140 votes.
He was re-elected in 2015, earning recognition and awards, including Governor of the Year titles in 2014 and 2015. In 2019, he was elected as Senator for Borno Central.
Following Bola Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election, Kashim Shettima became Vice President of Nigeria. He was officially sworn in on May 29, 2023, at Eagle Square, Abuja. As Vice President, he oversees the Economic Planning Committee and advises the President on key national matters.
Kashim Shettima Source of Wealth
His wealth is attributed to his career in academia, his years in the banking industry where he rose to top executive roles, and his time in public service. His net worth is estimated at over \$3 million.
Honours
Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), awarded on May 25, 2023.
Kashim Shettima as Tinubu’s Running Mate
On July 10, 2022, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), announced Kashim Shettima as his vice-presidential candidate for the upcoming elections.
Kashim Shettima’s Banking Career
Kashim Shettima transitioned into the banking industry in 1993, starting at the now-defunct Commercial Bank of Africa Limited, where he served as Head of the Accounts Unit at the Ikeja, Lagos branch until 1997. He later joined African International Bank Limited, working as a Deputy Manager and subsequently as a Manager until 2001. That same year, he moved to Zenith Bank, where he was appointed Head of the Maiduguri main branch. Over time, he advanced through several key positions including Senior Manager/Branch Head, Assistant General Manager and Zonal Head (North-East), and Deputy General Manager/Zonal Head (North-East). By 2007, he had become General Manager, a role he held until his appointment as Commissioner for Finance in Borno State.
Throughout his banking career, Kashim Shettima gained extensive experience in both agricultural and financial management. His professional journey spanned across major institutions, beginning with his role as an Agricultural Economist at Commercial Bank of Africa (1993–1997), followed by managerial positions at African International Bank in Kaduna (1997–2001). At Zenith Bank, he took on progressively senior roles from 2001 to 2007 before transitioning into public service. In mid-2007, he was appointed Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Borno State and later held commissioner roles in Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Education, Agriculture, and Health under then-Governor Ali Modu Sheriff.
Corruption Allegations
Kashim Shettima has faced allegations of mismanaging funds during his tenure as Borno State Governor. Reports accused him of misappropriating over ₦600 billion in state funds and misdirecting donations intended for internally displaced persons. He has also been linked to unexecuted projects and large state loans. Additionally, some claims have controversially tied him to Boko Haram sponsorship, though these remain unproven.
Kashim Shettima Net Worth
Kashim Shettima estimated net worth is around \$3 million.
Conclusion
Alhaji Kashim Shettima is a prominent Muslim political leader, widely regarded as articulate and intelligent, with fluency in both Hausa and English. He has received multiple recognitions, including consecutive Governor of the Year awards between 2014 and 2016. Despite lingering controversies and allegations, he has maintained a long and impactful career in both politics and governance.
FAQs
What is the full name of the Vice President of Nigeria?
Kashim Shettima Mustapha, the 15th and current Vice President of Nigeria, assumed office on May 29, 2023.
Is Kashim Shettima married?
Yes, he is married to Nana Shettima, the Second Lady of Nigeria since 2023. They tied the knot in 1998 and have three children.
Who is the current Vice President of Nigeria?
Kashim Shettima is the current Vice President, inaugurated on May 29, 2023.
Where does the Vice President live?
While the U.S. Vice President resides at the Naval Observatory, Nigeria’s Vice President lives in the official Vice Presidential residence in Abuja.
Who are Kashim Shettima’s children?
Shettima and his wife, Nana, have three children, though their names are not publicly disclosed. Nana is also known for her charitable initiatives, particularly in supporting orphans and widows through the Model Orphanage Integrated School in Maiduguri.