By Mohammed Kuta Yahaya
As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the MacArthur Foundation’s impactful works in Nigeria, it is essential to reflect on the immense contributions made by Dr. Kole Ahmed Shettima, a towering figure whose work and leadership have had profound impacts on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape and the wider African continent.
Dr. Shettima, a symbol of selfless service, embodies the values encapsulated in the quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “We need leaders not in love with money but in love with justice, not in love with publicity but in love with humanity.”
This powerful sentiment perfectly captures the essence of Dr. Shettima’s life and career trajectory. He is a man dedicated not to personal glory, but to the advancement of justice, education, and human rights. It was a memorable day for all of us MacArthur grantees. I had the joy of dancing alongside the pioneer Country Director, Prof. Bolanle Awe, at 90 to the delight of the visiting Chicago team led by Prof. John Palfrey, President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation highlighting its remarkable impacts.
In attendance was celebrated Oncologist Prof. Funmi Olapade, from University of Chicago, and Board member of the Foundation among other notable personalities like the Co-Chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who was one of the four Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities that benefited from the institutional capacity-building grants and later benefited from grants that supported the unbundling of Mass Communication scholarship championed by Bayero University Kano under the eagle eyes of erudite Communication scholar Prof Umaru Pate. I was fortunate to be part of the inaugural group of Fund for Leadership Development (FLD) grantees in 1997. Interestingly, the Co-Chairman was a mentor to one of our colleagues who later became the ASUU National Chairman, Prof Abdullahi Sule-Kano. Interestingly, another member of our cohort, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi also rose to that position, while some of us have taken on roles in public service.
I reminisce about your prophetic words and the inspiring aura you brought to our gatherings on September 17 and 18, 1999 in Government House, Minna and Lemu Township Play field respectively. Your words remain evergreen as you addressed the then Deputy Governor of Niger State, Dr Shem Zagbayi Nuhu during your inaugural assignment as the African Director, succeeding the legendary Professor Bolanle Awe. His words on that day were not merely encouraging, they were prophetic. He spoke of my future roles in Nigeria, words that resonated deeply, and have since shaped my career trajectory and commitment to national development. It was a profound personal experience which further propelled my quest for excellence as a Fund for Leadership Development (FLD) grantee of 1997 set that was inaugurated in 1998 at Arewa House in Kaduna, with the esteemed Prof. Olikoye Ransome Kuti as the keynote speaker at the event. All put together set the tone for what would be a lifetime of dedication to empowering youth across Nigeria.
For those of us who are fortunate to know and work with Dr. Shettima, his influence has been nothing short of transformative. This is evident in his belief in my potential, encouragement of my work with young people in Niger State, and his tireless push for change, culminated in my invitation to the MacArthur Foundation’s headquarters in Chicago in 2008. There, I was offered the opportunity to inspire American youth, but I would rather respond to the urgency of focusing on the Nigerian youth whose aspirations were often shadowed by the desire to ‘japa’ – leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad. With Dr. Shettima’s steadfast guidance, I have dedicated my efforts to addressing this challenge, ensuring that Nigerian youth find inspiration and purpose within our borders.
Dr. Shettima’s influence extends far beyond individual mentorship. As one of the principal architects in the establishment of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation, I benefitted from his global view that helped us in the design and structural formation of the organization into the formidable force it is today, championing development across Northern Nigeria. The foundation stands as a testament to his visionary leadership and commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.
In the world of academia, civil society, and public service, Dr. Shettima’s impact has been widespread and enduring. As African Director of the MacArthur Foundation, his leadership has shaped the growth of key institutions, particularly in advancing human rights, education, and good governance across Africa. His work has also helped build the capacities of numerous Nigerian universities, particularly Bayero University Kano (BUK), University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and University of Port- Harcourt with 268 PhDs, 222 Masters and influenced the support of training journalists, including groundbreaking reforms, such as the unbundling of Mass Communication as an academic discipline. In summary, in the last 30 years, MacArthur has positively impacted on Nigeria with over 800 grants worth $257m to 256 organisations and 135 individuals based in Nigeria and 170 grants totalling $57.4m to more than 100 organisations and individuals outside the country for work focussed on Nigeria.
There is no doubt October 9, 2024, was a momentous day for all MacArthur grantees as we gathered to celebrate 30 years of the foundation’s impactful work in Nigeria. As we danced and celebrated with pioneers like Professor Bolanle Awe, it was clear that this was not just a celebration of institutional milestones, but a celebration of this unsung hero-Dr. Kole Shettima whose work has been pivotal in driving lasting changes in Nigeria. His 25 years at the helm as African Director has transformed the foundation into a beacon of hope and progress.
Dr. Kole Ahmed Shettima is more than a leader; he is a visionary mentor, and a patriot whose unwavering commitment to humanity has inspired a generation of Nigerians to think bigger, dream higher, and make a difference. As we mark 30 years of the MacArthur Foundation in Nigeria, we celebrate Dr. Shettima’s incredible contributions, and we pray that Allah continues to preserve him for the good of humanity, granting him the ultimate reward in Aljanna Fridausi.
With deep admiration and respect, Dr. Kole Shettima, for all you have done and all that you continue to do as you serve as the cornerstone of the foundation’s successes, ultimately a beacon of hope, progress, and empowerment for numerous individuals, institutions and organisations throughout Nigeria for the past three decades. May your path always be bright with torch of justice for human progress and may your legacy continue to endure as you inspire many more generations to come.
Prof. Mohammed Kuta Yahaya is a Professor of Agricultural Extension and Development Communication at the University of Ibadan & Secretary, Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.
