Zulum appoints Ooni Of Ile-Ife chancellor of Borno varsity

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Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has appointed the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as the Chancellor of state-owned Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU) in Borno.

Speaking at the presentation of the appointment letter, in Ile-Ife on Tuesday, the Governor who was represented by the Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, said the choice of the Ooni was informed by the monarch’s distinguished pedigree, national influence and consistent advocacy for peace, education and youth development across Nigeria.

He expressed confidence that the traditional ruler’s wealth of experience and moral authority would add value to the growth and prestige of the institution.

He said, “We present to His Imperial Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, his appointment letter as the Chancellor of the Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri.

“This university has been there, but this is the first time that it’s going to graduate its graduates. It has been determined, and it is not a hidden secret but a common knowledge, that the Ooni of Ife is a royal father who has a lot behind him, not only in the education field but in other endeavors of life.

“He is also Chancellor to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and he also has his own university. So, His Excellency the Executive Governor is a very close person to the Ooni of Ife, and the Ooni has accepted to be the Chancellor of the university so that he can add value.

“The Ooni of Ife is not only a royal father in South West Nigeria; he is a royal father in the whole of Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa. And as I have mentioned earlier, the kingdom of Kanem, Borno goes a long way, and the Ife Kingdom also goes a very long way.”

In his acceptance speech the Oba Ogunwusi, lauded Governor Zulum and the people of Borno State for the honour, describing the appointment as a call to service beyond cultural and geographical boundaries.

He pledged to support the university’s vision through mentorship, advocacy and partnerships that would enhance academic excellence and character development.