A delegation from the Youth Partnership for Africa’s Development (YOUPAD), led by its President, Mr. Henry Nkem Nwankwo, on Tuesday, 2nd June, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, in his office.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Nwankwo stated that the purpose of the delegation’s visit was to honour Professor Ribadu, acquaint him with the activities of the organisation, and highlight its achievements.
He informed the Executive Secretary that YOUPAD is a pan-African, youth-led organisation established to promote youth development through leadership training, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development initiatives across the continent.
Ambassador Nwankwo noted that the organisation is widely recognised for its advocacy programmes, Pan-African Business Incubation initiatives, anti-drug abuse campaigns, educational outreach activities, and efforts aimed at positioning young people at the forefront of Africa’s transformation.
He explained that one of YOUPAD’s core objectives is the promotion of leadership and entrepreneurship through intellectual and values-based development programmes designed to prepare young Africans for leadership responsibilities. He further stated that the organisation’s advocacy and grassroots empowerment initiatives have continued to promote African unity, social justice, and inclusive governance by amplifying the voices of young people in local, national, and continental policy spaces.
The YOUPAD President also disclosed that the organisation recognises African leaders, educators, and public servants who have distinguished themselves in advancing youth development and societal progress. According to him, one of its most prestigious recognitions is the Thomas Sankara Pan-African Leadership Prize, which honours individuals championing principled leadership, social justice, and sustainable development across Africa.
He revealed that Professor Ribadu had been selected as a recipient of the award in recognition of his exemplary leadership and contributions to education and youth development. He further commended the Executive Secretary for his integrity, commitment to good governance, and dedication to grassroots empowerment.
Mr. Nwankwo added that YOUPAD regularly collaborates with universities, civil society organisations, and development agencies, including the Nigerian Copyright Commission and the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), to foster youth employment, entrepreneurship, and creative development.
At the highpoint of the visit, Ambassador Nwankwo presented Professor Ribadu with the prestigious Thomas Sankara Pan-African Leadership Prize in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, leadership, and youth development.
Responding, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu expressed appreciation to the officials of YOUPAD for the honour and recognition accorded to him. He commended the organisation for its commitment to youth development and its efforts towards advancing the vision of a prosperous and progressive Africa.
The Executive Secretary noted that the award would serve not only as a source of encouragement but also as a challenge to further redouble his efforts in the discharge of his responsibilities.
On behalf of the Commission, the Director of Research, Innovation and Information Technology (DRIIT), Malam Lawal Mohammed Farouk, thanked YOUPAD for recognising the Executive Secretary’s contributions through the award. He also conveyed the Commission’s best wishes to the delegation and prayed for a successful and impactful tenure for the organisation’s leadership.
Other members of the YOUPAD delegation included Mr. Austine Kwase, Mr. Paul Kwabena, and Mr. Daniel Donald. Also present at the meeting were the Director of Academic Planning (DAP), Mr. Abubakar Mohammed Girei; the representative of the Director of Public Affairs (DPA) and Deputy Director, Public Relations, Mrs. Franca Elochi Chukwuonwo; the representative of the Director of Students (DoS) and Deputy Director, Entrepreneurship, Mrs. Favour U.; the representative of the Director of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship (DSDE) and Deputy Director, Industry Collaboration and Linkages, Engr. Adebayo Suleiman; as well as the Head of Special Duties in the Executive Secretary’s Office, Dr. Abubakar Tanko Mohammed.