Zuriel Oduwole, a champion for peace, education, and gender equality, has received a nomination for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
At only 22 years old, she has been actively involved in international diplomatic initiatives, shaping conversations around education and peace while striving to create opportunities for underprivileged communities and drive significant change.
Her nomination acknowledges her contributions and signifies Nigeria’s increasing presence on the global platform.
Raised in Los Angeles by Nigerian grandparents, Oduwole has connected with more than 35 global leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, to address policy and development challenges. Her initiatives are centred on enhancing educational access for marginalized groups and fostering systemic transformation.
At 13, Oduwole played a role in mediating a territorial conflict between Guyana and Venezuela, engaging with former President David Granger at the United Nations to stress the necessity of constructive conversation. In 2020, she had discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi regarding global peace approaches during the Arab blockade of Qatar, which was resolved amicably in 2021.
Her commitment to education, which she regards as essential for development and stability, has been a key focus of her endeavours from a young age.
In 2017, when she was just 14, she met with former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the State Department to advocate for ‘reward-based’ education initiatives in developing countries, specifically targeting improvements in school retention for girls.
This interaction with U.S. leaders bolstered her worldwide mission to promote education as a catalyst for peace and opportunity.
