Lukman Yusuf Ladan: The Sports Director Changing the Face of NANs Leadership & Uniting Nigerian Students Beyond the Classroom
- Simon Zaku
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
This Week's Ibi-Talent Hunt Series (featuring local talents, outstanding ideas, hidden heroes, and impact-driven changemakers from Ibi, Taraba, and beyond)
FROM IBI TO OUTSTABDING YOUTH LEADERSHIP & VISIONARY: LUKMAN'S BOLD VISION FOR NIGERIAN YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Some people chase titles. Others earn legacy.
When I first met Lukman Yusuf Ladan, I assumed he was the president of NANs — the Nigerian apex student body. It wasn’t just his confidence that convinced me; it was the way people moved when he spoke, how he strategized events with laser focus, and how he wore his passion for student growth like a badge of honour.
So imagine my surprise when I found out this brother is just the Sports Director.
But make no mistake, Lukman is doing presidential-level work. From Taraba to the FCT, this young leader is using sports, programs, summits, and powerful collaborations to empower Nigerian students far beyond the classroom.
This is not just another feature. This is the IbiFoundry Talent Hunt spotlight on a rare gem from Dampar village, Ibi Local Government, Taraba State.
WHO IS LUKMAN YUSUF LADAN?
Lukman Yusuf Ladan is a native of Dampar, a serene but ambitious village in Ibi LGA, Taraba State. He is currently a student at Taraba State University (TSU), and more notably, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANs) Director of Sports.
But his reputation exceeds his title.
Lukman has carved a name for himself through sheer grit, constant work, and a strong commitment to changing the narrative of Nigerian studentship.
He's organized multiple programs across Taraba and Abuja including leadership trainings, capacity-building workshops, and career-focused summits. His mission? To ensure Nigerian students develop beyond the blackboard.
CMR Lukman Y. Ladan: A Quiet Storm from Dampar
You know how they say the real ones move in silence?
Well, meet Lukman Yusuf Ladan. A proud son of Dampar in Ibi LGA, Taraba State, Lukman is the kind of student leader who shocks you after the work is done.
You won’t find him shouting on social media or chasing clout. But give him a team, a cause, and some time? The results speak louder than any viral post.
From afar, you might just think, “Ah, another NANs Sports Director.” But Lukman? He’s a force. One who works ten times harder than his title, carrying not just responsibility—but results.
Growing up together before life separated us, I only reconnected with him two to three years ago through WhatsApp. Since then, watching his journey from a distance has been… breathtaking. Quiet updates. Big actions. Even bigger heart.
Let’s talk about what makes him special.
Table of Content (What this Publication Covers):
A tale of two mantles [How Lukman leads both NANs and Youth Vanguard for Better Taraba with passion and humility]
Programs and projects that shake things up [From student summits to health campaigns, a sneak peek into the impact he leads]
The Student Unity Cup (Gombe 2025) [Why this competition matters and Lukman’s vision for it]
A quick sit-down with the man himself [An exclusive, crafted interview with Lukman Yusuf Ladan on leadership, studenthood and unity]
Shout-outs that matter [The teammates, mentors, and national figures backing his mission]
Why Lukman is one to watch [A recommendation from IbiFoundry’s founder himself—and how to reach Lukman today]
THE YOUTH VANGUARD FOR BETTER TARABA: GRASSROOT PROJECTS WITH REAL IMPACT (A TALE OF MULTIPLE LEADERSHIP MANTLES)
Officially, Lukman is the Sports Director of NANs. But if you only see that part, you’re missing the full picture.
He’s also the State Coordinator of Youth Vanguard for Better Taraba—a movement committed to social development, community advocacy, and youth empowerment.
And in both places, he’s not just present—he’s leading.
What’s even more powerful? Lukman leads from the background. He doesn’t announce every move. He just does.
He pushes, he organizes, he rallies his teams to work. He sacrifices personal time to make things happen.
His humility is as strong as his drive.
THE PHILANTROPIC WORKS THAT SPEAKS FOR CMR LUKMAN YUSUF
While many student leaders remain focused on short-term benefits or hollow popularity, Lukman is taking a different route — one paved with legacy.
Career Development Summits in Jalingo and Wukari: These events brought together thought leaders, industry mentors, and students for practical discussions on employability, leadership and entrepreneurship.
Leadership Training in Abuja: Lukman has crossed state borders to empower students in the FCT, bringing a message of unity and intentional growth.
Campus Sports Revival: Under his leadership, sports programs have returned to many TSU campuses, not just for recreation but for community building.
SOME SPECIFIC COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND VOLUNTARY PROJECTS THAT SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
Across Taraba, Abuja, and beyond, Lukman’s influence is everywhere—though you might not know it unless you look closer.
Some highlights? (Images attached below - scroll 👇to see):
Substance Abuse Awareness at Lamurde Secondary School
Community sanitation drives in Jalingo (from Palace Way to Umaru Sale Street)
Sensitization on STDs and post-secondary life for teens
Education material donations to primary schools
Ramadan packages for underprivileged students at TASU and College of Nursing Jalingo
Orphanage visits, relief outreach, and clothes donation in Jalingo
Working visits with NANs national and state figures—including education summits, security conferences, and digital innovation talks
This is just a slice. The full list of activities, events, and movements he’s championed spans over 30 notable entries—with real pictures and real people affected.
His latest project? One that could become the biggest student-led sports event in Northern Nigeria…
The forthcoming NANS tudent Unity Cup—a first-of-its-kind student football competition organized by NANs and key stakeholders, led by Lukman himself. It’s not just a sporting event. It’s a vision for unity.
SPOTLIGHT: THE NANs STUDENT UNITY CUP
Coming up this month in Gombe State, the Students Unity Cup is one of Lukman’s most ambitious project yet.
This isn’t just about kicking a football. It’s about:
Uniting diverse students from across zones
Promoting peaceful collaboration and brotherhood
Showcasing young talent in sports
Bringing NANs stakeholders together to push a culture of proactive leadership
“Sports is the fastest way to bring students together,” he said. “When you remove politics and tribal sentiments and just play, you’ll see the real Nigeria show up.”
Gombe will host this national event, and from logistics to mobilization, Lukman is again at the center.
The planning has involved multiple state coordinators, sponsors, and student communities — and Lukman is at the centre of it all.
"Unity no be slogan to me, it’s a duty. Gombe go hear am this month." — Lukman
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: 5 QUESTIONS WITH LUKMAN YUSUF LADAN
1. Simon Zaku:
Lukman, what drives your passion for studentship beyond academics?
Lukman:
Honestly, na my roots for our very ownDampar. We no get plenty light or opportunity there, but we get community.
From small, I see how leadership no dey wait for age or title. When I enter TSU, I made up my mind: my impact go touch student life outside class.
Career, mindset, exposure — na those ones we dey lack, and na those ones I wan fix.
2. Simon Zaku:
You juggle a lot—NANs, Vanguard, school. Why do you do it?
Lukman:
Honestly, I believe we owe our communities more than grades. I'm from Dampar, and growing up, we faced struggles. So now that I have access to leadership, I want to be a bridge. I don't do it alone, though. My teams—both in NANs and Vanguard—are the real backbone.
3. Simon Zaku:
You’re not loud online. Why?
Lukman:
I no too like make noise. I believe if you’re really doing work, it’ll speak. If people go hear, they’ll hear it from impact—not mouth.
4. Simon Zaku:
Tell us about your work with Youth Vanguard for Better Taraba.
Lukman:
We focus on sensitization, outreach, education, hygiene, and empowerment. We've visited orphanages, done town clean-ups, engaged students. It's not every time talk—sometimes na action.
5. Simon Zaku:
What’s been your biggest challenge so far as Sports Director of NANs?
Lukman:
Omo, na perception. People think Sports Director just dey organize match. But I don show say sports fit unite, educate, and even develop leadership. Convincing stakeholders of that bigger picture no easy, but now dem dey see result.
6. Simon Zaku:
Tell us about the Student Unity Cup. What should we expect?
Lukman:
This one big. From Gombe, we dey gather teams from different states. It go be sports, yes, but also ideas, collaboration, and leadership showcase. We want to show say students fit come together without strike, violence, or tribal issues. Na peace tournament.
7. Simon Zaku:
What does the Student Unity Cup mean to you?
Lukman:
Unity. That’s the whole goal. I believe sports will help us remove labels and build better friendships across tribes, states, and backgrounds. I'm praying it turns into something national—even annual.
8. Simon Zaku:
You’ve hosted programs in both Taraba and Abuja. What moment stands out for you?
Lukman:
Abuja summit last year. After the event, one 300 level guy tell me say he get clarity about his future for the first time. That moment humble me. I realise say even one inspired student fit change community.
9. Simon Zaku:
What does the future look like for you in leadership?
Lukman:
I no dey rush position, but I dey prepare for responsibility. If the people call, I go answer. For now, I dey build capacity, study, and learn more ways to solve student problems with impact and vision. Leadership no be noise. Na service.
10. Simon Zaku:
What's your dream going forward?
Lukman:
To serve more. Whether as a student leader or public servant. And if God permits, to become a bigger voice for young Nigerians who just want a better shot at life.
Special Shout-Outs to the Real MVPs Behind-the-Scenes - from CMR Lukman Yusuf Ladan
Lukman isn’t a lone ranger.
In his words, “If I call one person and don’t call the rest, I no go sleep well.”
But here are a few he specifically appreciates:
The NANs National President – for standing tall for student unity
Youth Vanguard Team – who do the work behind the scenes
Student Union Leaders across Taraba & Abuja
Dr. Yusuf (FMC Jalingo), Mr. Kelvin Nuvalga, and Hon. Ibrahim Imam
And finally, a special appreciation to Engineer Abdulazez Bala - for the constant support, guidance and mentorship
WHY CMR LUKMAN Y. LADAN REPRESENTS A NEW ERA FOR STUDENT & YOUTH LEADERSHIP IN TARABA STATE & NIGERIA AT LARGE
We’re in an era where young people crave genuine connection, not just long grammar. Lukman is showing that leadership isn’t about shouting at congress or posing with titles.
It’s about:
Consistent impact
Humility in action
Cross-regional relevance
Passion tied to purpose
FINAL VERDICT FROM IBIFOUNDRY CEO & IBI-TALENT HUNT HOST, SIMON TAKI ZAKU
Finally, this is Simon Taki Zaku speaking, founder of IbiFoundry AND your humble Host for the Ibi-Talent Hunt Series.
I’ve known Lukman since childhood. We lost touch and reconnected recently—and what I’ve discovered about his journey genuinely moved me.
He’s the kind of person Nigeria needs more of.
Competent. Committed. Determined!
I recommend him for any student-related or youth-driven appointment, project, grant, or leadership platform. He won’t disappoint.
At IbiFoundry, we shine the light on uncommon talent, and Lukman Yusuf Ladan is one of the brightest we’ve seen.
For student-related appointments, youth projects, political grooming, or leadership tasks that require integrity and execution — we recommend him without hesitation.
This brother - who is now officially an IBIFOUNDER, is the real deal.
Want to Reach Lukman?
You can connect with him directly:
WhatsApp/Call: +234 903 289 9499
Email: LukmanYusufOrg@gmail.com
Simon Taki Zaku
Founder, CEO IbiFoundry
About the Writer: Simon Taki Zaku
Written & Published By: Simon Taki Zaku Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry Limited Website: https://ibifoundry.com.ng/ E-Magazine: IbiFoundry.com.ng/blog/
As seen/featured on; Forbes, Pixelied, Amazon, InfinityBlogAwards, GlobalSocialMediaCoaching, NinjaOutreach, A1Future, Persuasion-Nation, and many more publications.
Who is Simon?: Simon Taki Zaku is a serial entrepreneur, consultant, public speaker, and the founder & CEO of IbiFoundry LLC. He inspires, writes, teaches, and builds solutions around digital marketing, sales funnels, content marketing, and media strategy.
If I he's not researching on what to write about on IbiFoundry, he can be found playing table tennis, or e-Football games.
Want to be Featured on Our Upcoming IbiFoundry Talent Hunt Series? Be Our Next Ibi-Talent Hunt Guest!
Simon Zaku's Contact Emails: IbiFoundry@gmail.com, simonzakucom@gmail.com.
Thank you, Lukman Yusuf Ladan for appearing and gracing our Talent Hunt Series - we appreciate your grit, passion, projects and commitment to achieving a better Nigeria even as a Youth.
Have any questions for Me Lukman Yusuf? Drop your comments here - he will respond to all 💪
By Simon Taki Zaku - Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry Limited and Host of the "IbiFoundry Talent Hunt Series" .
Want to be featured on the next IbiFoundry Talent Hunt Series? Contact me via ibifoundry@gmail.com or simonzakucom@gmail.com.