The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, has received the Leadership Peace Award of Excellence 2026 from the National Coalition of Nigerian Women for Peace and Good Governance. This award is in recognition of the Vice-Chancellor’s purposeful leadership, commitment to institutional development, and contributions to peace and good governance in Nigeria.

The award was presented during a courtesy visit by the Coalition to the university, where its leadership commended Prof. Nwachukwu’s administration for its clear vision in advancing academic excellence, research, innovation, institutional development, and the well-being of staff and students.

During the presentation, the National Coordinator of the Coalition, Ambassador Ruth Ishaku Bang, explained that the Coalition was inspired by the Vice-Chancellor’s strong leadership, and the consistent progress made by the university under his leadership.

She described the Coalition as a non-partisan advocacy platform dedicated to promoting peace, responsible leadership, good governance, civic responsibility, and national development, adding that individuals whose service reflects these values deserve to be supported and recognized.

Ms. Bang emphasized that the award also acknowledged Prof. Nwachukwu’s efforts meant to position AE-FUNAI as a hub for academic and intellectual excellence, highlighting the numerous measurable progress in accreditation, institutional development, and academic programme enhancement as evidences of effective leadership.

She praised Prof. Nwachukwu for fostering research, innovation, and responsible citizenship within the university community, underscoring the critical role that universities play in developing human capital and solving societal challenges.

The Coalition also highlighted its humanitarian initiatives, particularly the “Pad the Girl Child” programme, which provides sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene support to vulnerable girls, especially those from disadvantaged communities. This initiative, they said, addresses the problem of lack of access to sanitary pads, promoting dignity, education, and consistent school attendance. The organization appealed to the Vice-Chancellor and the university community for support in advancing the welfare and development of women, and young girls.

In response, Prof. Nwachukwu commended the Coalition for the recognition, viewing it as motivation to remain dedicated to the service of humanity. He emphasized the importance of empowering young people, asserting that true leadership should be evaluated based on meaningful contributions to society and the legacy it leaves.

The Vice-Chancellor assured the Coalition of his administration’s commitment to initiatives that promote quality education, human capital development, peace, and the welfare of staff and students of the university. He noted that the recognition would further inspire his administration to focus on strengthening the university and creating an enabling environment where students, researchers, and staff can realize their full potential.

Prof. Nwachukwu expressed gratitude to the Coalition for advocating on issues affecting women, girls, and vulnerable members of society, and called for stronger collaborations between institutions dedicated to education, peace building, human capital development, and community development.

The award underscores the importance of responsible leadership and partnerships that contribute to national development.