How well are you informed about the current Vice President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria? If you are not, this article will walk you through all the necessary information you would need to know about him. So read on.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Presidents From 1960 Till Date
Insight
The vice president of Nigeria is the second-highest official in the executive branch of the federal government of the nation, just behind the president. Alongside the president, the vice president has a four-year tenure under the presidential line of succession.
The vice president’s responsibilities include chairing the National Economic Council and serving on other councils, such as the Federal Executive Council and the National Security Council.
The Nigerian Constitution defines the Vice President’s oath of office. It is administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria or the person appointed to fill that position temporarily. Additionally, If the president is unable to govern, the vice president assumes the role of acting president.
About The Current Vice President of Nigeria
Appointed on May 29, 2023, Kashim Shettima is the fifteenth vice president of Nigeria at this time.
Personal History:
Borno State’s Maiduguri was the place of his birth on September 2, 1966. He is a descendant of the Shettima Mustafa Kuttayibe family. In addition, he is married to Nana Shettima, and they have three children.
Academic Background:
He attended Lamisula Primary School in Maiduguri from 1972 to 1978. It can be recalled that he attended two secondary schools: The Government Science School in Potiskum and the Government Community Secondary School in Biu.
In 1989, he graduated from the University of Maiduguri with a B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics. In 1991, he furthered his educational pursuit at the University of Ibadan where he got an M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics.
Professional Background:
From 1991 to 1993, he was employed as a lecturer at the University of Maiduguri. He worked in the banking industry, holding positions as General Manager at Zenith Bank, African International Bank, and Commercial Bank of Africa. He also worked as a Commissioner in several Borno State ministries under Governor Ali Modu-Sheriff.
Political Career:
He was elected as Governor of Borno State where he served under the ANPP platform in 2011; He was also voted in as a senator in 2019 to represent Borno Central; and also the running mate of APC presidential candidate Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election.
READ ALSO: Who Was the First President of Nigeria
Some Key Roles and Responsibilities of the Vice President
- Acting President: The Vice President has the opportunity to serve as president if there are issues that will make the president unable to carry out his responsibilities. Some of them include sickness, absence, or other circumstances.
- Involvement in Cabinet and Advisory Councils: Another major role of the Vice President is to chair the National Economic Council, and is a member of the Federal Executive Council, the National Security Council, and all its cabinet meetings.
- Guideline Establishment: This particular role comes from the table of the President assigning the Vice President to carry out policy-making in all executive branches when necessary.
- He Has No Independent Executive Powers: The Vice President cannot independently execute certain orders without the approval of the President. Such as firing appointees, ordering the military, making appointments in any office, signing bills, etc.
- Submission to The President: It is also very important for the Vice President to submit to the authority of the President because his role is dependent on the office of the President. The Vice President often plays the submissive part and then waits for instructions from the President.
READ ALSO: Who Is The Deputy Senate President Of Nigeria
Here Are a Few of Nigeria’s Past Vice Presidents
- Joseph Edet Akinwale Wey: He was vice president during the military dictatorship.
- Atiku Abubakar: He served as Vice President under the PDP administration, from 1999 to 2007.
- Yemi Osinbajo: Osinbajo served as vice president from 2015 to 2019 under the APC flag.
Conditions For Eligibility
Candidates in Nigeria who desire the Vice President position must meet the underlying requirements.
- Such a candidate must be a citizen of Nigeria.
- They must be at least forty years old.
- They must exist as a member of a political party and also receive support from them.
- The minimum educational pre-requisite is a Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent.
References