The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Knight of World Peace Award for his contributions to society and humanity.
The award will be presented at the 2026 Global Peace and Humanity Summit organised by the World Institute for Peace on Saturday, October 24, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
The event is part of activities marking the United Nations Day.
The announcement was made by the United Kingdom Ambassador of the World Institute for Peace, Mira Warszawski, in a video message inviting participants from across the world to the summit.
Warszawski said the summit would address global challenges threatening peace and human welfare, including xenophobia, conflicts between nations and emerging security concerns.
She added that the gathering would provide an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas on peaceful coexistence, international cooperation and practical ways of promoting global peace.
Professor Ogunwole will receive the honour alongside the Chief Executive Officer of Aaraji Empowerment Foundation, Engineer Raji Kehinde, who was recognised for his efforts to rehabilitate former cult members and support initiatives aimed at reducing cultism and violent crime in Osun State.
The recognition comes as Professor Ogunwole continues his leadership at FUOYE, where peace, dialogue and institutional stability have formed part of his approach to university administration.
Since assuming office as Vice-Chancellor, Ogunwole has focused on strengthening relationships among staff, unions, management and other interest groups, particularly against the backdrop of disagreements that had previously created divisions within the institution.
His administration has emphasised dialogue, reconciliation, mutual respect and cooperation, with the aim of creating an environment where academic and non-academic staff can concentrate on teaching, research, innovation and the overall development of the university.
The award is expected to highlight the importance of peaceful leadership and institutional cooperation in advancing the goals of public universities.
The summit will also feature a keynote address by retired Lieutenant General Lamidi O. Adeosun, CFR, former Chief of Policy and Plans of the Nigerian Army.
The United Kingdom Ambassador of the World Institute for Peace, Mira Warszawski, who is also expected to speak at the event, said the gathering would strengthen international relationships and encourage practical commitments to peace, justice and human dignity.
The 2026 Global Peace and Humanity Summit and award ceremony will hold on Saturday, October 24, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
