Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved the immediate employment of 81 top graduating students of Kashim Ibrahim University as part of efforts to strengthen higher education and retain academic talent in the state.
The approval was announced on Saturday during the university’s maiden combined convocation ceremony, attended by national and state leaders.
The decision addresses concerns over brain drain and limited opportunities for outstanding graduates within public institutions in the state.
Zulum, who is the visitor to the university, said the employment offer is a long-term investment in human capital development and academic sustainability.
“I have approved the recruitment of all the 81 best graduating students of the 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 sets as lecturers of this University,” Zulum said.
He said the appointments would take effect from January 1, 2026.
Zulum added that the beneficiaries would also be sponsored for postgraduate studies within and outside Nigeria alongside their employment.
“In addition to their automatic employment, we shall also send them to study their postgraduate programmes both within and outside Nigeria,” he said.
The convocation ceremony was attended by Kashim Shettima, vice president of Nigeria, who announced the donation of two electric buses to the university.
The donation is expected to improve transportation and support academic and administrative activities on campus.
Other dignitaries at the event included Mai Mala Buni, governor of Yobe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, governor of Gombe State, and a representative of the Kebbi State governor.
Also present was Muhammadu Indimi, businessman and philanthropist, whose foundation has supported educational development in Nigeria.
Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, the Shehu of Borno, attended the ceremony alongside traditional rulers from different states.
Babagana Gutti, vice-chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, thanked stakeholders for their support and commitment to the growth of the institution.
He said the convocation and employment approval marked a significant milestone in the university’s journey toward academic excellence.
