THE COUNTRY Director of the MacArthur Foundation, Dr Kole Shettima, has been awarded with an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Federal University, Kashere (FUK), Gombe State at its 6th to 9th combined convocation ceremony held on Saturday.
According to the university Dr. Shettima was celebrated for his humility, principled leadership, and commitment to human dignity.
The university also described him as a role model for students and future leaders for his outstanding contributions to social justice, education, and good governance in Nigeria and across Africa.
Also honoured with Honorary Doctorate degrees by the university along with Dr Shettima include Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare; the Chancellor of the university, Amb. (Dr) Lawrence Agbuzu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Abia State, and Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation.
The awards to Shettima and other recipients were unanimously approved by both the university Senate and Governing Council, FUK management stated.
Renowned for his humanitarian and development advocacy, the citation on Dr. Shettima by the university paid glowing tributes to his service to humanity, noting that he was honoured for his decades of humanitarian service, advocacy for social justice, and transformative leadership in philanthropy and governance.
A distinguished academic and development expert, Shettima holds degrees from the University of Maiduguri, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of Toronto, with a career spanning academia, civil society, and philanthropy.
As Director of the MacArthur Foundation for the past 26 years, Shettima has championed initiatives in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and media development, significantly improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
His work extends beyond Nigeria, fostering Pan-African collaboration in governance and social development.
In 2025, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama (OON, L’ONN) appointed Dr. Shettima as the Zanna Yuroma of Machina Emirate, “a title traditionally conferred upon wise elders” and trusted advisors known for wisdom and moral integrity.
“For his lifelong dedication to the public good, unwavering belief in justice, and distinguished contributions to philanthropy and Pan-African development, the Federal University of Kashere proudly confers upon Dr. Kole Shettima the degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc. Honoris Causa),” the university stressed.
