VP Kashim Shettima Lauds MIT’s Impact On Global Innovation

VP Kashim Shettima Lauds MIT’s Impact on Global Innovation, Calls for African Entrepreneurial Unity
Abuja, Nigeria — January 14, 2026
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has commended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for its significant contributions to the global innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, highlighting its role in driving investment, job creation and capacity building worldwide.
State House Abuja
Speaking on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a meeting with a delegation from the Kuo Sharper Foundry Fellowship (2025–2026) — led by Dina Sherif, Executive Director of MIT’s Kuo Sharper Centre for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship — Shettima said MIT has helped raise over $1.5 billion and created more than 30,000 direct jobs over the last two decades.
He described MIT’s work as transformative for the global innovation community, noting its impact in expanding opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs across continents.
Thisdaylive
Unity and Collaboration: A Call to African Entrepreneurs
While praising MIT’s global footprint, Shettima used the occasion to urge African entrepreneurs, professionals and innovators to unite in order to fully harness the continent’s vast human and economic potential.
Peoples Gazette Nigeria
He stressed that collaboration and collective action are key to unlocking opportunities available across Africa, saying:
“Africa is the new frontier and the future belongs to the continent, but its people must unite to transform potential into tangible results that impact lives and livelihoods.”
State House Abuja
Shettima highlighted the need for entrepreneurial networks and partnerships that can leverage MIT’s resource mobilisation platforms and global innovation linkages for job creation and sustainable development across the continent.
MIT Partnership and Support for African Innovation
Delegation leader Dina Sherif briefed the Vice President on the activities of MIT’s Kuo Sharper Centre, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to fuels entrepreneurship globally and especially in Africa. State House Abuja
Sherif underscored the relevance of collaboration between African startups and global innovation networks, and highlighted opportunities to support African-based ventures in scaling, accessing capital, and strengthening their ecosystems.
State House Abuja
Economic Vision and the Renewed Hope Agenda
In his remarks, Shettima also reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is focused on bold economic reforms and investment-driven growth, noting the government’s deliberate efforts to transform Nigeria’s economy.
State House Abuja
He emphasized that the Presidency is not afraid of taking difficult but necessary decisions to reposition the economy and enhance livelihoods for Nigerians, positioning innovation and entrepreneurship at the core of national development.
Politics Nigeria
Context & Significance

• Shettima’s remarks signal strong support from Nigeria’s leadership for deeper engagement with global knowledge institutions and partnerships that can uplift African innovation ecosystems.
• His call for unity among African entrepreneurs aligns with broader continental ambitions for collective growth, regional integration and shared prosperity.
• The visit by the Kuo Sharper Foundry Fellowship delegation highlights ongoing efforts to bridge African startups with international resources, mentorship and investment platforms.
  State House Abuja
  Peoples Gazette Nigeria
  Thisdaylive