Four students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and an equal number from Benue State University, Makurdi, have been announced as the new set of winners of the Elumelu Legacy Prize for displaying academic excellence in key subject areas.

A statement issued in Lagos by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) named awardees from Usmanu Danfodiyo University as Atiku Jibrilla Usman, Medicine; Muhammad Sani, B.Sc., Economics; Shadi Sabeh, M.Sc., Economics; and Salihu Umar, who graduates with a Master’s in Business Administration.

The statement identified the awardees in Benue State University as Akombo Christopher Lior, MBA; Solomon Sooter Kwen, B.Sc. Economics; and Joseph Fefa and Ahmed Idoko Itodo, who have earned joint top honours for their Master’s of Science degrees in Economics.

Usmanu Danfodiyo University hosted its convocation ceremony last Saturday, December 1, where TEF Founder, Mr. Tony Elumelu, returned to the city in which he served for NYSC to personally present each student with their award. The graduation and award events at Benue State University are set for this Saturday, December 8.

“We are pleased to commend and support high calibre home grown scholars from all corners of our great nation who have demonstrated excellence in education and leadership within their fields,” said Mr. Elumelu. “We believe young leaders such as these have the aptitude and resolve to change Africa, and that their efforts, supported by organisations like The Tony Elumelu Foundation, will begin the process of transformation this continent needs for growth,” the former CEO further said.

Katja Schiller-Nwator, who oversees the leadership development initiatives of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, said: “We are very impressed with these students’ ambition and the qualities they exhibit as scholars and contributing members of society. We look forward to working with them and future winners over the years, as we support them to fulfill their goals and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria and Africa’s transformation.”

Reacting to the award, Mr. Atiku Jibrilla Usman, Usmanu Danfodiyo University’s best graduating student in medicine this year, said: “I plan to be part of the machinery of transformation of healthcare services globally. I thank The Tony Elumelu Foundation for the recognition and encouragement.”

Earlier this year, students at the University of Jos were presented with Elumelu Legacy Prizes, in the first convocation ceremony that included the award.

The award is made to top performances in programmes related to the academic and career paths of Mr. Elumelu and his wife, Dr. Awele V. Elumelu, who is a fellow Trustee of The Tony Elumelu Foundation. The Prize honours top-performing graduating students at several universities across Nigeria. As explained by the TEF statement, “The annual prize is awarded to top undergraduate and graduate (where relevant) students in Economics, Business Administration, and Medicine. An annual professional prize is also provided through the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria to encourage excellence in the banking profession.”

•Photo: Tony Elumelu.

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