By John Dike, Osogbo
Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Natural Head of the Race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has been appointed as the Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, Borno State.
His appointment was approved by the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum. Kashim Ibrahim University, formerly known as Borno State University.
The official letter of appointment was presented to the revered monarch on Tuesday at the Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife, by the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Malam Bukar Tijani, who led a high-powered delegation on behalf of the governor.
The delegation included the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Babagana Guti, alongside other senior government officials.
Speaking during the presentation, Malam Tijani conveyed Governor Zulum’s warm regards to the Ooni, describing the occasion as both historic and symbolic.
“I am here this evening on behalf of the Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, to convey his profound respect and goodwill to His Imperial Majesty.
“We are here on a very happy note to formally present the letter appointing you as the Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University,” Tijani said.
He described the Ooni as one of the most influential and highly respected traditional rulers in Nigeria and across Africa, while highlighting the historic ties between the ancient Ife Kingdom and the Kanem-Borno Empire.
“Ile-Ife is one of the oldest kingdoms in Africa, just as Kanem-Borno remains one of the most ancient and enduring empires on the continent.
This visit is therefore deeply symbolic. We honour the ancestors of Ife and acknowledge the global influence of the Odùduwà heritage, with descendants spread across Africa and the diaspora,” he added.
Malam Tijani further disclosed that Governor Zulum would have personally presented the appointment letter but was unavoidably absent due to pressing state engagements.
He expressed confidence that the Ooni’s wealth of experience would add immense value to the growth and global stature of the university.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, Prof. Babagana Guti, lauded the appointment, describing the Ooni as a renowned advocate of education, peace, and national unity.
“His Imperial Majesty’s commitment to educational development, youth empowerment, and inter-ethnic harmony is well known. His acceptance of this role will significantly strengthen the vision and global standing of Kashim Ibrahim University,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
In his acceptance remarks, the Ooni of Ife expressed deep appreciation to Governor Zulum for the honour, while commending his leadership style and developmental strides in Borno State.
“Your Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, I appreciate you profoundly. I have followed your projects and leadership achievements across Borno State, and you truly deserve commendation. I thank you for finding me worthy to serve as the Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University,” the monarch said.
The Ooni assured the Borno State Government and the university community of his unwavering commitment to the institution’s advancement.
“I will never let you down. I am deeply passionate about education. I own a university that I started from scratch, and I am also the Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I assure you that I will bring energy, innovation, and developmental strides to Kashim Ibrahim University,” he added.
Highlighting the deep historical and cultural bonds between the Yoruba people and the Kanem-Borno Empire, the Ooni described the appointment as a symbolic homecoming.
“I have a strong ancestral connection with the Kanem-Borno Empire. Historically, the Yoruba and Kanem-Borno peoples are closely linked, with shared bloodlines and similarities.
This is the only empire that was never overtaken during the 19th-century Usman Dan Fodio restructuring of Northern Nigeria. For me, this appointment is like being welcomed back home,” he said.
