Honouring 65 Years of Visionary Nation-Building: The Enduring Legacy of Dr Kole Shettima

Today, we pay tribute to Dr Kole Shettima as he reaches 65 years of exceptional service to our nation’s advancement. A strategic visionary and tireless proponent of progress, Dr Shettima’s path epitomises a life devoted to empowering communities, promoting education, and advocating for social justice.

In his capacity as Director of the Foundation’s Nigeria Office in Abuja, Dr Shettima has spearheaded transformative initiatives. His insightful leadership in grant-making—encompassing Population & Reproductive Health, Girls’ Secondary Education, Human Rights and International Justice, and the Partnership for Higher Education in Africa—has not only tackled pressing issues but also established enduring frameworks for future prosperity. His projects have uplifted innumerable individuals, strengthened societal resilience, and driven systemic reforms across various domains.

Prior to his influential tenure at the Foundation, Dr Shettima forged a distinguished academic career. His appointments at the University of Maiduguri, the University of Toronto, and Ohio University deepened his comprehension of intricate social and political matters. As an educator and researcher, he mentored numerous students and produced impactful studies featured in esteemed publications such as Africa Development, Review of African Political Economy, African Studies Review, and the Journal of Asian and African Studies. His scholarly precision and intellectual inquisitiveness have consistently been channelled towards practical nation-building solutions.

Dr Shettima’s dedication to service is equally manifest in his voluntary engagements. He has committed time to organisations including Women In Nigeria and the Machina Emirate Development Association. These roles have enriched his understanding of grassroots challenges, enabling him to bridge the divide between policy formulation and implementation. His active participation on the boards of respected entities such as the JAIZ Charity and Development Foundation and the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation further highlights his resolve to effect meaningful societal change.

Academically, Dr Shettima’s journey exemplifies his relentless pursuit of excellence. Holding a PhD from the University of Toronto, a Master’s degree from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Maiduguri, he has leveraged a diverse educational foundation to confront national issues with insight and profundity. His broad expertise informs his strategic choices and inventive methodologies, ensuring that his contributions are both forward-thinking and pragmatic.

Dr Kole Shettima’s legacy is characterised by his moral fortitude, strategic acumen, and steadfast integrity. His endeavours have consistently illustrated that nation-building transcends grand projects, encompassing the cultivation of virtues such as resilience, openness, and social responsibility. As we commemorate his 65 years, we are reminded that transformative leadership demands not only vision but also the bravery to enact change, often in the face of significant obstacles.

In celebrating Dr Shettima today, we not only honour his past accomplishments but also draw inspiration for the future. His unwavering commitment to societal betterment serves as a guiding light for current and aspiring leaders—a call to persist in striving for a more just, innovative, and cohesive nation. May his journey continue to inspire and direct us all on our shared quest for sustainable development and enduring impact.