By Law Ibitoye
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, has been selected to receive the 2026 Knight of World Peace Award in recognition of 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, as part of activities marking United Nations Day.
The United Kingdom Ambassador of the World Institute for Peace, Mira Warszawski, announced Ogunwole’s selection in a video message inviting participants from across the world to the international gathering.
The summit is expected to address pressing global challenges, including xenophobia, conflicts between nations and emerging security threats, while promoting peaceful coexistence, international cooperation and practical approaches to building a more peaceful world.
Ogunwole will receive the award alongside Engineer Raji Kehinde, Chief Executive Officer of the Aaraji Empowerment Foundation, recognised for his efforts to rehabilitate former cult members and support initiatives to curb cultism and violent crime in Osun State.
The recognition comes amid efforts by Ogunwole’s administration to strengthen unity, dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders at FUOYE, since assuming office as Vice-Chancellor, he has prioritised reconciliation among staff unions, management and other interest groups, particularly those previously divided by internal disagreements.
His approach has emphasised dialogue, mutual respect and the need for stakeholders to put their differences aside in the overall interest of the institution.
The administration considers institutional peace essential to advancing the university’s objectives in teaching, research, innovation, infrastructure development and effective governance.
The recognition also highlights the importance of peaceful leadership in public institutions, where disagreements among stakeholders can sometimes impede progress and distract attention from core responsibilities.
Among the distinguished personalities expected at the summit is retired Lieutenant General Lamidi O. Adeosun, CFR, a former Chief of Policy and Plans of the Nigerian Army, who will deliver the keynote address.
Warszawski, who will participate as a contributory speaker, expressed optimism that the summit would strengthen international relationships and inspire practical commitments to peace, justice and human dignity.
She said the gathering was expected to generate meaningful ideas and encourage renewed efforts towards building a world founded on peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.The choice of October 24, United Nations Day, for the summit underscores the importance of international cooperation and peaceful resolution of conflicts amid persistent global security and humanitarian challenges.
For the FUOYE community, Ogunwole’s selection represents international recognition for the university’s chief executive and draws attention to the role of dialogue, reconciliation and cooperation in promoting institutional stability and development.