The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Odùduwà race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has been appointed as the Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, Borno State, formerly known as Borno State University.
The revered monarch, who is also the Permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) was appointed the Chancellor of the University by the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.
The official letter of appointment was presented to the Ooni on Tuesday at his Ile Oodua Palace in 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 Kashim Ibrahim University, Prof. Babagana Guti, among other top government officials.
Speaking during the presentation, Malam Tijani conveyed the warm regards of Governor Zulum to the Ooni Ogunwusi, describing the occasion as 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,” he said.
He described the Ooni as one of the most influential and respected traditional rulers in Nigeria and Africa, noting 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,” Tijani added.
He further disclosed that the governor would have personally presented the appointment letter but was unavoidably absent due to two major state engagements, expressing confidence that the Ooni’s wealth of experience would add immense value to the university.
The Vice-Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University, Prof. Babagana Guti, also lauded the appointment, describing the Ooni as a strong 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,” Guti said.
In his acceptance speech, the Ooni expressed deep appreciation to Governor Zulum for the honour, commending the governor’s leadership 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 Ooni Ogunwusi said.
He assured the state government and university community of his unwavering commitment to the institution’s growth.
“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.
The Ooni also highlighted the historical and cultural bonds between the Yoruba people and the Kanem-Borno Empire, describing 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 Usman Dan Fodio 19th-century restructuring of Northern Nigeria. For me, this appointment is like being welcomed back home,” he said.