Nigeria-born multilingual astute humanitarian and educationist, Prince Dr. Samuel Oyekan, the CEO of Prince Oyekan Foundation, has been honored by the prestigious Weldios University with an honorary Doctorate Degree (Ph.D. Honoraris Causa) in Political Leadership and Philanthropy. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional transformational leadership, immense contributions to humanitarian efforts, and remarkable dedication to national development.
Prince Dr. Oyekan currently holds the position of Director of Academy and Social Affairs at ESCAE Benin University, where he plays a pivotal role in the university’s senior leadership team. He is likewise skillful in speaking multiple languages such as French, Spanish, English, Fon, and Yoruba. The award of the honorary doctorate degree is in recognition of his numerous humanitarian contributions to humanity, especially youth development programs.
He was widely described by volunteers under his foundation as one who “adds value his area of focus and has gone beyond his skills to be a humanitarian who constantly give hope to the hopeless in society. As a humanitarian, he founded the Prince Oyekan Foundation.”
Speaking in an interview with ELITIST Media, Prince Dr. Samuel Oyekan expressed his delight at the recognition and also reiterated his foundation’s goal of giving hope to the hopeless.
Give us a snapshot of your humble self?
I am Dr. Prince Oyekan Samuel Ibrahim, born into the family of OYEKAN in Lagos, Nigeria. I hail from Isale-Eko, Lagos, Nigeria. I am a devoted Christian. I commenced my elementary school at Uncle Pet International Nursery and Primary School, obtained my Primary School Leaving Certificate, and Secondary Education at OCCHS Elere, where I obtained my O’level certificate. Afterward, I went to EPS Benin Republic, where I obtained a certificate of Proficiency in French Language. I attended ESCAE-BENIN University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Relations, a Master of Science Degree in International Relations, and Doctor of Philosophy at West Africa University. I obtain another Doctoral fellow in management and human resource development and professionals (IIHP) at Otta Covenant University.
I began my service career as an assistant lecturer at POMA University, Igolo. In September 2020, I was employed by POMA University as the Admin Officer. I am currently the Director of Social and Educational Support at ESCAE University. I am an expert in the educational sector, a business mogul in the educational sector, an educational consultant to accredited institutions, and NYSC-guaranteed universities not only in Nigeria but across West African Countries and European Countries. I have held different positions ranging from public relations officer, General Administrations officer, Admission officer, Student Affairs officer at different schools. I have won different Awards of special recognition, including Academic excellence award, Entrepreneurship excellence award, Award of sponsorship, Most Supportive Lecturer of the year 2023 at Escae University, Distinguished Nigerian Awards, and Philanthropist of The Year 2023.
As the Director of Academic and Social Affairs at ESCAE Benin University, tell us about the great citadel of learning?
I am not just the Director of academics but the West Africa campuses coordinator. Escae University is one of the best-ranking universities in Benin Republic, a bilingual institute affiliated with different universities across the globe, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States of America.
Why do you think you deserve the new honorary Doctorate degree from Weldios University?
Let me say the grace of God found me because I am a son of grace. My contribution in supporting Nigerian students in the diaspora by providing them with scholarships, especially those schooling in Benin Republic under my foundation, where we give lots of WEAC Slots to less privileged students and other humanitarian services.
How did you get in contact with Weldios University?
I am the school’s former employee, so with humanitarian work from my foundation, which continues rendering assistance to Nigerian students in the Republic of Benin. So I think the fragrance of our humanitarian work got to their table.
Tell us about the activities of Prince Oyekan Foundation?
Prince Oyekan foundation is keen to give hope to the hopeless in our society, such as academic succor to the young people who are willing to be educated but can’t afford education. The homeless, Aged and less privileged and widows. But we focus more on youth empowerment because we believe they are the strength of the nation. Due to the fact that I was once like them before the grace of God found me. I used to hawk vegetables and edible fruits in traffic.
What is your projection for the foundation in the nearest future?
To build more self-reliant youth, see more youth who can be proud of themselves through our youth empowerment program both at home and abroad, which will give us a nation we are hoping for. Prince Oyekan foundation wishes to do more for the less privileged in our society, especially the youth.
As a Nigerian who is working in Benin Republic, how do you cope with the language barrier?
I have a diploma in French language and I can speak Spanish as well, even Fon, the local language of Benin people. So language barrier is not a challenge because I am well prepared.
What is your philosophy about life? Nothing comes easy in life; we have to work for everything before one can enjoy it. We should always pray for everything, and hard work pays.
Who are your role models?
The Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Also, I keen into the leadership of CEO Anayo foundation, and I admire the giving spirit of hip hop singer David Adeleke (Davido).
What are your words of advice to young Nigerians who are looking up to you?
I encourage them to always walk the talk, have faith in their ability, trust in God for every good thing through prayer and hard work, and always be prepared for the challenges ahead.
