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Dr. Zuriel Oduwole is an internationally recognised education advocate, filmmaker and global development advisor, best known for her work advancing girls’ education across Africa and the Caribbean.
With over a decade of impact, she has engaged directly with more than 36 Presidents and Prime Ministers on global social development and education challenges, contributing to policy conversations that shape opportunities for young people worldwide. Alongside this, she has spoken to over 56,000 youths across 23 countries on the transformative power of education.
In recognition of her work in peace mediation, gender equality and education advocacy, she was nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 22.
Dr. Zuriel Oduwole recently earned her doctorate in Global Organisation Change & Leadership from University of Southern California, completing the programme ahead of schedule. Her academic focus directly underpins her real-world work—strengthening her ability to influence systems, policy and leadership at the highest level.
Her advocacy has already contributed to tangible outcomes. In 2018, she met with President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique to address child marriage and the importance of girls’ education; the country went on to outlaw child marriage in 2019. She has also played a role in peace dialogue, engaging leaders such as President David Granger of Guyana and President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of Egypt on conflict-related issues affecting women and girls.
Beyond policy and advocacy, Dr. Zuriel Oduwole is committed to grassroots impact. Through her filmmaking initiatives, she has trained over 500 young women across multiple countries, equipping them with practical skills and new opportunities.
Her work has been widely recognised globally. She was profiled in Forbes at age 10, named among ELLE’s “33 Women Who Changed the World,” and honoured by former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry for her advocacy against child marriage and for girls’ education.
In 2022, she received the Ban Ki-moon Leadership Award from the United Nations, recognising a decade of measurable global impact.
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