Nigerian Woman Makes History with Nobel Peace Prize Nomination

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 deeply involved in international diplomacy, shaping conversations on education and peace, striving to expand opportunities for underrepresented groups, and driving significant change.

Her nomination acknowledges her contributions and highlights Nigeria’s increasing prominence on the world stage.

Born in Los Angeles to Nigerian parents, Oduwole has interacted with more than 35 global leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, to address policy and development matters.

Her work centers on enhancing educational access for disadvantaged communities and encouraging lasting reforms.

When she was 13, Oduwole facilitated discussions in a border conflict between Guyana and Venezuela, meeting with then-President David Granger at the United Nations to stress the need for peaceful negotiations.

In 2020, she engaged with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on strategies for global peace amid the Arab blockade of Qatar, which was peacefully resolved in 2021.

Since childhood, her advocacy has focused on education, which she considers crucial for both development and lasting peace.

At age 14 in 2017, she met with then-U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the State Department to advocate for “reward-based” educational initiatives in developing countries, aiming to boost school attendance, especially for girls.

This dialogue with U.S. officials strengthened her worldwide campaign to use education as a means of fostering peace and creating opportunities.

Reacting to her Nobel Peace Prize nomination, Oduwole expressed modesty and astonishment.

“I have never sought recognition, only to speak up where it’s needed,” she stated. “This honor reflects the urgent need to invest in young voices as agents of change.”