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Maiduguri Law School: The Senate Approval and Senator Kashim Shettima’s Voice

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Maiduguri Law School: The Senate Approval and Senator Kashim Shettima's Voice

Maiduguri Law School: The Senate Approval and Senator Kashim Shettima’s Voice

By: James Bwala

Many have applauded former Borno state governor and senator representing Borno Central at the red chamber in Nigeria’s Law making body – The National Assembly for a giant stride in putting a strong voice to ensure Maiduguri, the Borno state capital in northeast Nigeria gets a Law School in the recent approval by the senate.

NEWSng reports that, while many have agreed that Senator Kashim Shettima did very well not only for the generation today but also for unborn citizens in time to come, others have a different opinion probably based on their political differences.

Speaking on the approvals by senate, Malam Hassan Adam told NEWSng that, “This however, is not without hitches from some anti Progressive minds. But those classical clowns, we wave with our fingers as they are not worthy of our time and efforts in making ‘Borno state great again’, if I should borrow the words of Kashim Shettima when he embarked on rebuilding Borno state through setting up educational base in a state ravaged by the insurgency”.

Also Read: Anas Gajiram: Let’s Talk About Senator Abubakar Kyari (Part 1)

Indeed, at a time when citizens of Borno state are seeking safe haven elsewhere due largely to the activities of Boko Haram, Senator Kashim Shettima, then a governor, was seeking for a new future through educating the citizens. It was at that time that he came up with the idea of model schools and also nurses the idea of establishing a state University all in an effort to free Borno state from the fangs of illiteracy. It was also at that time that he carefully selects a gem among many egg heads in Borno. 

According to Timothy Yakubu, a keen observer in the unfolding events in Borno, he (Kashim Shettima) was all along considering the beauty of continuity because he knew that he would have to start all these projects but time would not permit him to see it through in his time as governor. “Therefore, to achieve that even after he might have left office, there are needs for a new birth in his own character. This deliberate attitude of Kashim  Shettima puts him into looking at the capable hands on ground and out of 26 eligible, an Engineer was born. He knew he could heave a sigh of relief with this choice and he did.

“Today, Borno state is celebrating the man – Senator Kashim Shettima for another achievement in the pursuit for a greater Borno state. As representative of Borno Central in the senate, Kashim Shettima was relentless in lobbying to acquire the needed support from colleagues and well-wishers. According to Kashim Shettima, he is not just a representative of the section of Borno people but of the larger Nigerian society.

“Through timely and convincing approach, Kashim Shettima was able to succeed in making Borno state part of the state to cite the six approved states to house the Law School Campuses. Indeed, it was no longer news that the senate Approves Creation of Maiduguri Law School Campus, Borno State. Thanks to Senator Kashim Shettima for being a voice to the people of Borno State, the Northeast and Nigeria as a whole.” Mr. Timothy said

NEWSng reports that, The Bill, titled: “A Bill for an Act to amend the Legal Education (Consolidation, etc) Act by establishing the campuses for the Nigerian Law School, and for other related matters” was sponsored by Kogi West Senator Smart Adeyemi. The passage of the Bill followed the adoption of the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters that considered the Bill.

Also Read: MTN Nigeria staff to commence strike over inhumane treatment, others

Adamu Saleh, a commentator said that, ”The presentation Senator Kashim Shettima made at the floor of the senate on establishing the law school campus  in Maiduguri was full of justifiably facts backed by intelligence and high sense of reasoning”

According to him,  “Men of goodwill would not have any basis to raise objections. “Our sincere appreciation to the intelligent, humble and patriotic Kashim Shettima and all contributors to this noble breakthrough.”

Also commenting on this success, Professor Shehu Liberty of the  University of Maiduguri in his post said, “Thank You Most Sincerely Distinguished Senator Kashim Shettima For Initiating the Establishment of Nigerian Law School in Maiduguri, Borno State, Which was Long Overdue. This is Indeed a Highly Commendable and Thoughtful Effort! You have proved to be a Worthy Representative of the Good People of Borno Central and Indeed Borno State. The Good People of Borno are Proud of you, your Intellectual Prowess and Great Political Sagacity! Keep the Good Work, Your Excellency sir!”

“I love your voice in the Nigerian Senate. This has added value to Borno state. You have started well and indeed we are all proud of you. You have shown influence, capacity and capability to bring the dream of bringing Borno state out of the muddy waters. You are our man any moment because we know you are always with the people.” Dr. Sani Umar wrote.

Following the senate decision on Tuesday to pass the Bill that seeks to increase the number Law School campuses from seven to 14, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele’s report reveals that the existing Law School campuses are located in Lagos (Southwest); Abuja (North Central); Yola, Adamawa State (Northeast); Kano (Northwest); Enugu (Southeast) and Yenegoa, Bayelsa State (South-South).

The additional campuses approved by the Senate are Kabba Law School Campus, Kogi State (Northcentral); Maiduguri Law School Campus, Borno State (Northeast); and Argungu Law School Campus, Kebbi State (Northwest). Others are Jos Law School Campus, Plateau State (North Central); Okija Law School Campus, Anambra State (Southeast); Orogun Law School Campus, Delta State (Southsouth) and Ifaki Law School Campus, Ekiti State (Southwest).

The Senate also approved the Yenegoa Law School Campus, Bayelsa State; Port Harcourt Law School Campus, Rivers State; and Orogun Law School Campus, Delta State for the South-South zone. In the South West, the chamber approved the Lagos Law School Campus, Lagos State; and Ilawe Law School Campus, Ekiti State. The Bwari Law School Campus, Abuja, remains exclusively for the Federal Capital Territory.

The Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said the creation of the six law schools was a legislative intervention to address “the exponential increase in the number of law graduates from our universities an foreign ones, coupled with the backlog that existed over the years.”

According to the lawmaker, “existing campuses are overstretched and the infrastructures are not enough to accommodate thousands of law students graduating from the universities.”

He observed that the United States of America with a population of over 350 million people has about 237 law schools. The lawmaker noted that some countries such as Canada and Australia, with far fewer population than Nigeria, have 24 and 38 law schools for a population of about 38 million and 26 million people, respectively.

Bamidele explained that the provision for additional campuses in the six geopolitical zones of the federation was appropriate as it does not tamper with the seven existing campuses established by administrative responsibilities of the Council of Legal Education.

Residents of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital said they are particularly happy with this development and are convinced that such a project could not have come to Borno state without a strong voice.

Maiduguri Law School: The Senate Approval and Senator Kashim Shettima’s Voice

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Zulum Present as INEC Monitors APC Ward Congress in Mafa Ward

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30 minutes ago

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February 20, 2026

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Zulum Present as INEC Monitors APC Ward Congress in Mafa Ward

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, travelled to Mafa to witness the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses.

Zulum, who was accompanied by APC’s Deputy National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Hon Mohammed Jaha (Babawo), and the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, expressed satisfaction with the seamless and orderly conduct of the process.p

The governor’s entourage also comprises the APC State Chairman, Bello Ayuba, Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai, among other senior party executives.

Party members across Mafa ward converged to elect new executives. The exercise, which was held simultaneously across the 312 wards in Borno State, was conducted by consensus to ensure unity and harmony within the party.

Borno State Commissioner for Health, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, chaired the ward congress committee, while the Mafa Local Government Electoral Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Salihu Muktari, monitored the exercise.

Addressing party faithful shortly after the conclusion of the exercise at Mafa, Zulum expressed gratitude for the peaceful atmosphere. He commended the party’s national leadership for deploying a competent team to oversee the process.

“I am happy with the smooth conduct of this exercise. There was no rancour, no bitterness, and that is the spirit of the APC family. I want to commend the committee sent by the APC national headquarters for their diligence and fair play,” Governor Zulum stated.

The governor also lauded party stakeholders and members in Mafa for their maturity and commitment to the party’s internal democracy, urging the newly elected ward executives to see their emergence as a call to service.

“To the new executives, this is not about personal glory but about taking the party to greater heights at the grassroots. You are the closest to the people, and you must work to unite our members and strengthen our structure,” he added.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward/Local Government Congresses Screening Committees, Screening Appeals Committees, as well as the Ward/LGA Congresses (election) and Congresses Appeal Committees members, headed by Prophet Jones Erue, were also in Mafa to observe the conduct of the exercise.

Zulum Present as INEC Monitors APC Ward Congress in Mafa Ward

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APC Group Calls Lokpobiri An Hypocrite Over Remarks Of Diri Emergence As Governor

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5 days ago

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February 15, 2026

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APC Group Calls Lokpobiri An Hypocrite Over Remarks Of Diri Emergence As Governor

The Bayelsa State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Grassroot Movement (BSAGM), has described remarks of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri during Governor Douye Diri 6th anniversary thanksgiving service as hypocritical.

In his goodwill message at the 6th anniversary of Senator Douye Diri as Bayelsa Governor, Senator Lokpobiri guffed not disappointing the general public of usual reckless remarks, that no human should take credit as instrumental to the victory of Senator Douye Diri as Governor of Bayelsa.

In a statement issued to newsmen on Monday by the group spokesman, Mr John Peremobowei, the group condemned in strong terms of the reckless and delusional remarks of the honorable minister during the 6th year thanksgiving service of the prosperity government in Yenagoa.

According to the group statement, Lokpobiri’s thoughtless remarks is affirmation of his political career of ingratitude, and betrayal towards those that nominated him for various public offices undeservedly, from state to federal lawmaker, including two ministerial appointments.

“Lokpobiri battered political career of ingratitude was the reason why he openly fought his benefactor, Chief Timipre Sylva, who nominated him as Minister of State for Agriculture, in the last bayelsa guber election.

“Acknowledging an individual efforts, contributions in fulfillment of God’s purpose in another man’s life here on earth is not in any way taking the glory of God, but acknowledgement of whom God used to accomplish a predetermined task and purpose.

The group describing the honorable minister’s statement as delusional and self-deception, said he should be knowledgeable to comprehend the concept that God uses humans as instruments to accomplish tasks beyond their natural abilities on earth in fulfillment of purpose and destiny.

“Senator Lokpobiri who arrogantly takes the glory for the victory of Mr Wilson Ayakpo Dauyegha as house of assembly member representing Ekeremor Constituency 2, should have attributed the victory of the former lawmaker to God rather than himself, if it’s not self-deception.

“Unfortunately, Governor Diri seems to derive so much pleasure in the reckless statements expressed to appease him against those who worked so hard for his emergence.

The group urged Senator Douye Diri to be query of honorable minister’s characters in his government, saying the remarks were borne out of hatred towards those who worked so hard for his emergence as governor.

“If not for self-deception, hypocrisy, why did Sen. Lokpobiri attributed Mr Siminalayi Fubara’s emergence as Governor of Rivers to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and not God Almighty?

“In his thanksgiving ceremony after inauguration as minister, why did Lokpobiri attributed his appointment to Wike, and not President Tinubu who nominated him to the national assembly, or better still, God?

“Does God only exist in Bayelsa, and not Rivers? Lokpobiri’s thoughtless remarks are unbecoming as a public officer in the federal government.

“Invariably, the governor supporting the dishonest reckless remarks, he has deliberately sowed a seed of ingratitude by not acknowledging the human instruments of Dickson, and several others, and whosoever that succeeds him as governor will definitely tow the path of ingratitude.

APC Group Calls Lokpobiri An Hypocrite Over Remarks Of Diri Emergence As Governor

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2027: “Distinguished Vice President and Chairman of the National Economic Council, a very good partner on the journey of progress…” President Tinubu’s End of Quote on Kashim Shettima

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1 week ago

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February 10, 2026

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President Tinubu and VP Shettima

2027: “Distinguished Vice President and Chairman of the National Economic Council, a very good partner on the journey of progress…” President Tinubu’s End of Quote on Kashim Shettima

By: Dr. James Bwala

The remarks made by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding Vice President Kashim Shettima cannot be understated within the four walls of Nigeria’s political narratives, especially around the presidency today. When President Tinubu unequivocally described Shettima as a “distinguished partner on the journey for progress,” he was not merely delivering a platitude. This statement signifies a broader endorsement of the vice president’s role and capabilities within the administration. It also serves as a clear declaration against the backdrop of swirling speculation and skepticism regarding the political landscape leading up to the 2027 elections. Indeed, these comments also reflect a solid commitment to continuity in leadership, clarify the governing vision for Nigeria, and ultimately establish that no one is poised to replace Vice President Shettima come 2027.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/nobody-is-replacing-vice-president-kashim-shettima-tinubu-affirms-he-remains-the-best-and-envisions-a-strategic-partnership-for-nigerias-future/

At the crux of Tinubu’s declaration lies a testament to the cooperative spirit necessary for driving socio-economic development in Nigeria. The phrase “a very good partner on the journey for progress” highlights the significance of teamwork in governance. Under Vice President Shettima’s stewardship as the Chairman of the National Economic Council, there has been a concerted effort to address the multifaceted issues facing Nigeria—from inflation to unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and security challenges. Their partnership epitomizes the shared responsibility that is crucial for any government striving for tangible progress.

Political narratives often take root in uncertainty and can easily be distorted by those who favor chaos over collaboration. The “peddlers” of complex, often negative narratives surrounding the presidency, as referenced by President Tinubu, represent factions that thrive on misinformation and divisive politics. The unwavering support exhibited by the President for his Vice President directly contradicts the narratives designed to sow discord. By clarifying the stability and unity within the leadership, President Tinubu sends a strong message: the leadership is united in purpose and direction.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/nobody-is-replacing-vice-president-kashim-shettima-tinubu-affirms-he-remains-the-best-and-envisions-a-strategic-partnership-for-nigerias-future/

The implications of such solidarity become increasingly significant as Nigeria heads into the 2027 electoral cycle. Voter sentiment is deeply influenced by perceived cohesion among leaders. In a nation where previous administrations have often faltered due to internal conflict, Tinubu’s endorsement of Shettima as an irreplaceable ally solidifies public confidence in the administration’s agenda. It serves to reassure citizens that the economic and political strategies currently being implemented are rooted in mutual respect and shared goals and wholly committed to their welfare and prosperity.

When the president emphasized Shettima’s role within the context of the National Economic Council, President Tinubu implicitly invited citizens to engage with the ongoing reforms and policies that are pivotal to the country’s future. The Council’s agenda, which includes but is not limited to enhancing Nigeria’s economic resilience, diversifying income sources, and fostering sustainable practices, directly involves the citizens’ participation. Tinubu’s description of Shettima as a “distinguished vice president” suggests that the leadership not only respects expertise but also values the contributions of seasoned politicians who possess a profound understanding of Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/nobody-is-replacing-vice-president-kashim-shettima-tinubu-affirms-he-remains-the-best-and-envisions-a-strategic-partnership-for-nigerias-future/

The swirling narratives attempting to undermine Vice President Shettima’s position are indicative of a broader struggle between traditional politics and emerging expectations from the electorate. Citizens today demand transparency, accountability, and results—aspects that Vice President Shettima has epitomized through his policies and initiatives. The rhetoric deployed by Tinubu serves as a counter-narrative to those who would seek to diminish Shettima’s contributions. The president’s words affirm both leaders’ commitment to a forward-looking agenda, one that emphasizes progress over petty politics.

The assertion that “no one is replacing the vice president come 2027,” as I wrote sometime ago, is not merely a statement regarding personnel; it is a bold proclamation about the vision for Nigeria’s leadership. In a political arena rife with speculation, such clarity is essential. Potential candidates and party rivals are likely to expend considerable energy attempting to sway public perception in the build-up to elections in 2027. However, Tinubu has positioned Shettima as a stalwart force within the current administration, effectively shutting down rumors and speculation that might foster dissent or division.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/nobody-is-replacing-vice-president-kashim-shettima-tinubu-affirms-he-remains-the-best-and-envisions-a-strategic-partnership-for-nigerias-future/

This declaration also sheds light on the critical importance of experience in navigating the complexities of governance. Kashim Shettima has amassed a wealth of knowledge and insight through his various political roles. His tenure as governor of Borno State, especially during times of terrorism and economic strife, showcases his ability to lead under pressure. In a country like Nigeria, where socio-political challenges are ever-evolving, retaining experienced hands at the helm of government is paramount.

Indeed, acknowledging Shettima as a “very good partner” signifies an approach to governance that values collaboration over competition. Rather than fostering an environment where ambitions and personal aspirations drive wedges between leaders, Tinubu’s comments create an atmosphere conducive to teamwork. It reminds us that the goal of governance should always be the collective welfare of the populace, rather than individual accolades or power struggles.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/nobody-is-replacing-vice-president-kashim-shettima-tinubu-affirms-he-remains-the-best-and-envisions-a-strategic-partnership-for-nigerias-future/

I called this end of quotes. President Tinubu’s affirmation of Vice President Kashim Shettima as a “distinguished partner on the journey for progress” serves multiple purposes—it articulates a commitment to continuity in leadership, reinforces the spirit of collaboration, and lays the groundwork for upcoming electoral contests. 

By addressing and dismantling the negative narratives spun by naysayers, Tinubu strengthens public confidence in the administration’s resolve to pursue a progressive agenda for Nigeria. Importantly, the unequivocal assertion that “a very good partner on the journey of progress” affirms the value of the experience of the vice president, Kashim Shettima, and the necessity of sustained leadership in overcoming the myriad challenges facing the nation. As Nigeria approaches 2027, the unwavering partnership between President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima becomes not just a political alliance but a beacon of hope for progress in the face of adversity.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

2027: “Distinguished Vice President and Chairman of the National Economic Council, a very good partner on the journey of progress…” President Tinubu’s End of Quote on Kashim Shettima

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