About
His Excellency,
Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON
Biography
Early Life and Background
His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima Mustapha, is a distinguished Nigerian politician, economist, and banker whose remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to public service have left an indelible mark on the nation. Born on September 2, 1966, in Maiduguri, Borno State, he hails from the illustrious family of Alhaji Shettima Mustafa Kuttayibe, the Shettima Kawama Moworanma of Borno. His mother, Hajja Nana Kujarima Shettima, was a princess from the esteemed El-Kanemi royal family, deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Borno.
Education and Academic Excellence
Senator Shettima’s pursuit of knowledge began at Lamisula Primary School, Maiduguri, where he studied from 1972 to 1978. His strong academic foundation propelled him to Government Community Secondary School, Biu, from 1978 to 1980, and later to Government Science Secondary School, Potiskum, where he successfully completed his West African School Certificate Examinations (WASCE) in 1983.
With a keen interest in economic development and agriculture, he proceeded to the University of Maiduguri, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Agricultural Economics. Upon completing his undergraduate studies in 1989, he was posted to the Nigerian Agricultural Cooperative Bank in Calabar for his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), where he served diligently for one year.
Determined to further his education and broaden his expertise, he enrolled at the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics in 1991. This academic background laid a solid foundation for his future career in the banking sector and, ultimately, public service.
Banking Career and Corporate Leadership
After completing his postgraduate studies, Senator Shettima ventured into the corporate world, beginning his career in the Accounts Department of the defunct Commercial Bank for Africa in Lagos State, where he worked from 1993 to 1997. His dedication and financial acumen earned him a promotion to Deputy Manager at the African International Bank (AIB) Limited, where he was later elevated to Branch Manager of the Kaduna office from 1997 to 2001.
His exemplary leadership and strategic thinking caught the attention of Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions. In 2001, he was appointed Branch Head of the Maiduguri office. Over the years, he steadily climbed the ranks and, in recognition of his contributions to the bank’s growth and expansion, he was promoted to General Manager in 2006. His time at Zenith Bank was marked by significant financial management expertise, business expansion, and leadership, which earned him widespread respect in the banking sector.
Transition into Politics and Service to Borno State
Senator Shettima’s success in the corporate world did not deter him from his passion for public service. In 2007, he made a pivotal decision to leave the banking sector and join the Borno State Government as the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development. This marked the beginning of his illustrious political career.
Under the administration of Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, he served in several key ministries, holding positions as the Commissioner of Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner of Education, Commissioner of Agriculture, and Commissioner of Health. His diverse portfolio allowed him to implement policies that improved governance, public service delivery, and socio-economic development in the state.