Nigeria’s Academic and Military Leaders Honoured at 11th AWAU Conference in Sierra Leone

 Prominent Nigerian academic and military figures converged in Freetown for the 11th Annual Conference and 13th Annual General Meeting of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU). The event, which commenced on February 17 and is scheduled to conclude on February 20, 2026, serves as a major hub for regional academic collaboration. 

A central highlight of the gathering was the recognition of General Martin Luther Agwai (Rtd), who was bestowed with a national honour by the Government of Sierra Leone. 

The Award: The honour recognises his exceptional leadership of peacekeeping operations in Sierra Leone between 2003 and 2005.

The Legacy: During his tenure as Deputy Force Commander of the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), Gen. Agwai implemented the effective "Hot Spot" disarmament strategy, which was instrumental in the country’s transition to lasting peace. 

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin and Secretary-General of AWAU, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, led the academic delegation at the ceremony. He was joined by Prof. Emeritus Is-haq Oloyede, CON, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and former Vice-Chancellor of UNILORIN, in a celebratory group photograph with Gen. Agwai. 

The conference, currently in its third day, continues to focus on repositioning higher education in West Africa through themes of partnerships, research innovation, and peace and security.