Meet Tajudeen Abdullah, the 2026 DAF Student of the Year

Behind many remarkable achievements is someone who refused to let another person settle for less. For Tajudeen Abdullah, that person has been his Father. Whenever the journey became difficult, whenever maintaining first position year after year felt exhausting, his father reminded him of something he still carries with him today:

‘‘You are more than this. You haven't reached your full potential.’’

Those words became a constant source of encouragement throughout a journey marked by discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

At the Dami Aluko Foundation, we believe that recognising excellence is one of the ways we encourage young people to keep striving for their full potential. Through the DAF Student of the Year Award, we celebrate students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, character, and a commitment to continuous growth.

This year, we are proud to recognise Tajudeen Abdullah, an SS 2 student at FUNAAB International School (FUNIS), as the 2026 DAF Student of the Year.

Tajudeen's academic journey has been defined by remarkable consistency. Since JSS1, he has maintained first position in his class, this demanded discipline, perseverance, and the determination to keep improving year after year.

Among the achievements he is most proud of is earning 11 A's in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in JSS3 a record that, according to him, still stands in the school's history.

Beyond academics, Tajudeen enjoys intellectually stimulating activities such as chess, cards, and word games, believing they strengthen his critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Looking ahead, he hopes to pursue a career in biomedical engineering, combining his passion for science and innovation to develop medical technologies that improve lives.

Get to Know Tajudeen

In this interview, Tajudeen reflects on the challenges of maintaining excellence, the people who shaped his journey, the lessons he has learned along the way, and the dream that continues to inspire him.

At the Dami Aluko Foundation, we remain committed to recognising and supporting young people whose dedication, resilience, and leadership inspire those around them.

Congratulations, Tajudeen, on this well-deserved recognition. We wish you continued success as you pursue your aspirations and look forward to seeing the impact you will make in the years ahead.