Samuel Ajala, a graduate student at the U of A Department of Communication, has been selected as the recipient of the National Communication Association 2025 Award.

He won the 2025 Activism and Social Justice Division Graduate Student Activist Award for his research and advocacy work in environmental communication, which is deeply rooted in community engagement. 

Over the years, leveraging his storytelling and research skills, Ajala has contributed towards climate reporting and environmental justice in Nigeria. As a graduate student and budding scholar in environmental communication, he leveraged his research, journalism and public engagement to advocate for more inclusive narratives in environmental and climate change policy. 

He is also part of several global advocacy networks, including YOUNGO (UNFCCC), Covering Climate Now, Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ), The Uproot Project and Climate Advocacy Lab, where he collaborates with other young leaders to amplify environmental justice in the Global South.

Ajala is the current president of the International Students Organization of the U of A, a registered students organization that represents the interests of international students and provides a common place for the promotion of cultural and social activities. 

He will receive his award at the 111th annual meeting of the National Communication Association in Denver.