Southern Youth Forum Honours TASFUED VC with Nelson Mandela Leadership Award

The Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Prof. Samuel Ekundayo Oladipo, has been honoured with the 2026 Annual Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity by the Southern Youth Forum (SYF).

The award, presented on Thursday, August 13, 2026, recognised Prof. Oladipo’s exemplary leadership, professional accomplishments, commitment to service and contributions to education and societal development.

Presenting the award, the Forum commended the Vice-Chancellor for his distinguished career, intellectual capacity, diligence, integrity and commitment to quality service delivery. It also described him as a mentor, role model, nation builder and source of inspiration to young Nigerians.

The Southern Youth Forum, established in 2001, is a coalition focused on leadership development, good governance, youth participation, education, advocacy and social development.

Responding to the honour, Prof. Oladipo expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as both an honour and a call to greater responsibility. He noted that leadership was fundamentally about service, integrity and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed his commitment to providing purposeful leadership at TASFUED, with emphasis on quality education, innovation, research, effective service delivery, mentorship and human development.

Reflecting on the legacy of Nelson Mandela, Prof. Oladipo said leadership should be measured not only by the position occupied but also by the lives touched, opportunities created and positive impact made.

He dedicated the honour to the university’s students, staff, colleagues, mentors and members of the wider community, whose contributions and support continue to inspire his service.

Prof. Oladipo also urged Nigerian youths to demonstrate leadership through character, knowledge, integrity and service, stressing that meaningful leadership could be exercised irrespective of formal position.

He thanked the Southern Youth Forum for the recognition and the confidence reposed in him, noting that awards for past achievements also impose greater responsibility for the future.

“The honour is appreciated. The responsibility is greater. The service continues,” he noted.

He also expressed particular appreciation to Amb. Olajide Olakunle A., National President; Amb. Olalekan Taiwo, National Secretary; and Amb. Tunde Ola, Ogun State Representative, for leading the delegation and presenting the distinguished honour.

Other members of the University Management Team were also present.