National Devt: NANS celebrates Nigerian Heroes as Prof. Wale Sulaiman, Dangote, Barau clinch Outstanding Award

Prof. Wale Sulaiman: You’re a model of excellence whose work continues to inspire Nigerian students and young professionals across Africa – NANS

By: Mercy Folounsho

It was the celebration of excellence and patriotism as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) conferred its Excellence in Leadership, National Service, and Community Impact Award on Prof. Wale Sulaiman, a celebrated global healthcare expert and neurosurgeon; Africa’s foremost industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; and Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Barau Jibrin, among other distinguished Nigerians.

The awards were presented in Abuja during the 45th anniversary celebration of the national student body, where 45 eminent personalities were honoured for their outstanding contributions to national development and youth advancement.

The dinner and awards ceremony, held at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, attracted top government officials, captains of industry, youth leaders, and student representatives from across the country.

Presenting the awards, NANS President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, commended Prof. Wale Sulaiman for his remarkable contributions to medical innovation in Nigeria and Africa, his investment in youth capacity development and empowerment through professional training and scholarships, and his community development interventions through his RNZ Foundation.

He highlighted Prof. Sulaiman’s role in contributing to the transformation of Kwara State’s healthcare system as Special Adviser on Health Matters to His Excellency, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, CON, the Executive Governor of Kwara State. His remarkable initiatives and innovations in COVID-19 prevention and management were also applauded. His strategic leadership has helped transform the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, into a rapidly growing hub of medical education and research, describing him as “a model of excellence whose work continues to inspire Nigerian students and young professionals across Africa.”

Alhaji Aliko Dangote was recognised for his immense contributions to industrialisation, job creation, and economic growth in Nigeria and across Africa, as well as his sustained philanthropic interventions through the Dangote Foundation, particularly in health, education, and poverty alleviation.

Senator Barau Jibrin, on his part, was honoured for his legislative leadership, commitment to youth development, and advocacy for policies that promote education, economic inclusion, and national development.

In his remarks, Prof. Sulaiman appreciated NANS for its enduring role in nation-building and youth advocacy over the past four decades. He reaffirmed his commitment to mentoring young Nigerians, strengthening educational institutions, and supporting policies that expand access to quality education and healthcare.