Renowned African historian and public intellectual, Professor Toyin Falola, has awarded the prestigious Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Prize for Distinguished Public Activism and Service to the Registrar of Lead City University, Ibadan, Dr. Oyebola Ayeni, in recognition of her impactful advocacy, humanitarian service, and sustained commitment to advancing the welfare of women.
The award was presented during the Toyin Falola @73 Conference held in January, an event that attracted scholars, policymakers, activists, and development practitioners from across Africa and the diaspora.
While announcing the honour, Professor Falola explained that the Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Prize is reserved for Africans who exemplify selfless service, principled activism, and unwavering dedication to humanity, with particular emphasis on women’s rights.
He noted that recipients of the award must demonstrate courage in championing the cause of the voiceless and working collaboratively to promote the progress and wellbeing of women in society.
Falola described the prize as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, one of Africa’s foremost nationalists, feminist activists, educators, and public figures, whose life and work continue to inspire generations committed to justice, equity, and social transformation. He formally declared Dr. Ayeni as the recipient of the honour during the ceremony.
Don’t Miss This: Tony Elumelu Foundation launches 2026 entrepreneurship programme
In her acceptance remarks, Dr. Ayeni expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, describing the award as both humbling and deeply meaningful.
She said being associated with the legacy of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was an honour she holds dearly, noting that the recognition acknowledges courageous service, advocacy for the voiceless, and sustained efforts toward empowering women.
Dr. Ayeni added that the award has strengthened her resolve to continue promoting equity, inclusion, mentorship, and opportunities for women and young people across institutions and communities.
She accepted the honour with a renewed sense of responsibility to contribute to building a more just and inclusive society. The event also featured the recognition of the Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University, Professor Kabiru Aderemi Adeyemo, who received the 2026 Thabo Mbeki Award for Excellence in Leadership for his contributions to institutional development and leadership excellence.
Dr. Ayeni extended her appreciation to the organisers of the Toyin Falola @73 Conference, the University of Texas at Austin, and Lead City University for the honour and platform, dedicating the award to women whose resilience continues to inspire change and to allies committed to fostering a fairer society.
