Our reporter
The President of Youth Partnership for Africa’s Development (YOUPAD), Henry Nwankwo, has commended the Acting Vice Chancellor of Edo State University Uzairue, Professor Dawood Egbefo, for his significant contributions to youth and national development through academia.
Nwankwo lauded Professor Egbefo during a ceremony where the Vice Chancellor was presented with the Thomas Sankara Pan African Leadership Prize for Excellence.
Speaking at the event, Nwankwo highlighted YOUPAD’s long-standing recognition of Professor Egbefo’s dedication and hard work, which has left a remarkable impact on education and youth development in Nigeria.
“We have followed Professor Egbefo’s academic contributions for some time and deemed it necessary to honor him for his unwavering commitment to national service,” Nwankwo stated.
The award, he explained, is a symbol of appreciation for Egbefo’s transformative role in shaping the future of Nigerian youth.
The YOUPAD President expressed confidence that Professor Egbefo’s leadership at Edo State University Uzairue will further enhance the institution’s role in grooming young leaders.
He stressed the importance of academic leaders in nurturing future generations who are intellectually equipped to tackle Africa’s challenges.
“This award reflects not only his academic achievements but also his contribution to the broader African continent,” Nwankwo added.
Professor Egbefo, in his response, expressed his gratitude for the honor and acknowledged the pressing challenges faced by African youth, particularly in the area of drug abuse.
He praised YOUPAD’s efforts in addressing this issue and pledged his continued dedication to youth development.
The event also saw the involvement of Comrade James Uneze, YOUPAD’s head of Media and Communication, who spoke on the organization’s ongoing campaign against drug and substance abuse and the proliferation of arms across African borders.
He commended Professor Egbefo for his steadfastness and commitment to serving the community.
In addition to the Thomas Sankara award, Professor Egbefo received the Confederacy Commendation Certificate for Corporate Contributions and a Membership Certificate from YOUPAD.
These awards further underscore his commitment to advancing education and national development through leadership in academia.
YOUPAD, a Pan African youth league, serves as the umbrella body for students and youth organisations across Africa.
Its mission is to build leadership and entrepreneurship skills among young Africans, preparing them to take on leadership roles across the continent.
