Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) on Monday, September 21, 2026, joined the global community to mark the International Day of Peace with a call for greater investment in education, dialogue and youth empowerment for sustainable peace.

 

The celebration, organised by the School of General Studies (SGS) in collaboration with the United Nations, was held under the theme, “Invest in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday.”

 

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Development, Prof. Princewill Ogbonna, stressed the role of education in promoting tolerance, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.

 

Prof. Akanwa urged students to see themselves as peacebuilders of today, encouraging them to promote understanding, harmony and inclusiveness within and beyond the University.

 

The Ag. Director, SGS, Dr. Chiedozie Atuonwu, described peace as a daily commitment to justice, mutual respect, dialogue and human dignity.

 

In his keynote lecture, Prof. Ejitu Nnechi Ota emphasised education, dialogue and youth empowerment as essential tools for sustainable peace in Nigeria and Africa, urging young people to become active agents of positive social change.

 

The event featured goodwill messages and the presentation of awards, including the Peace Ambassador Award to Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, Peace Advocacy Award to Engr. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, FNSE, and Peace Builder Awards to Commandant C.N. Odimba and Sir Nonso Ozoemena.

 

The celebration reaffirmed MOUAU’s commitment to promoting peace, responsible leadership and inclusive development.