Plateau Governor Celebrates Chris Kwaja on Elevation to Professor
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has extended warm congratulations to Prof. Chris Kwaja on his recent elevation to the rank of Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State.
In a congratulatory message, Governor Mutfwang described the promotion as well-deserved, emphasizing Prof. Kwaja’s exceptional contributions to academia, policymaking, and governance. He expressed confidence that the new academic milestone would further enhance Prof. Kwaja’s ability to provide strategic insights on national and global issues while continuing his impactful service to Plateau State and beyond.
A statement by Governor’s spokesperson, Gyang Bere highlighted Prof. Kwaja’s distinguished career as a political scientist and expert in International Relations, praising his intellectual depth, strategic foresight, and significant influence on development policies and political landscapes across Africa.
Chris Kwaja is the Country Director for Nigeria at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). He is also an Associate Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies at the Centre for Peace and Security Studies (CPSS), Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State.
With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Kwaja has made significant contributions to academia, policymaking, and conflict resolution. He holds a Doctorate Degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the University of Jos, where he previously lectured at the Centre for Conflict Management and Peace Studies. His expertise has earned him roles as a Visiting Research Fellow with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) in Abuja and a Global Fellow at the Watson Institute of International Affairs, Brown University, USA.
Dr. Kwaja’s career is marked by a series of notable achievements. Between 2011 and 2015, he served as Director General for Research and Planning in the Plateau State Governor’s Office and as Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. His leadership in these roles helped shape governance and development policies in the state.
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A recipient of numerous scholarly awards, Dr. Kwaja has been recognized for his groundbreaking research. In 2008, he received the Council for the Development of Social Science Research (CODESRIA) Award for his work on Private Military and Security Companies in Africa. He was also awarded the United Nations University for Peace Doctoral Research Award and the West African Research Centre (WARC) Research Award in 2009.
Dr. Kwaja’s work on farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria has been particularly impactful. As an African Research Fellow with Search for Common Ground and the Carnegie Corporation, he led the establishment of the Forum on Farmer and Herder Relations in Nigeria (FFARN), a network of academics and practitioners addressing conflict and security issues. His research produced four policy papers that have been instrumental in advocacy efforts at national and international levels.
In 2017, Dr. Kwaja was commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to design a strategy addressing violent extremism in Northern Nigeria. His expertise also contributed to the development of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), where he designed the peacebuilding, governance, and rule of law pillars adopted by the National Economic Council in 2018.
Dr. Kwaja’s influence extends to gender and security issues. Between 2014 and 2024, he played a key role in designing State Action Plans for Plateau, Adamawa, and Gombe States, aligning with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. His contributions earned him a position on the National Technical Working Group for the implementation of the National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325.
In July 2020, Dr. Kwaja was appointed to the Defence, Peace, and Security Technical Working Group for Nigeria’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP). His consultancy work has been sought by prestigious institutions, including the World Bank, UNDP, European Union, USAID, and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA).
Dr. Kwaja’s international recognition includes his appointment as the African Representative of the United Nations Working Group on Mercenaries (2018-2024), where he also served as Chairperson-Rapporteur (2019-2020). His work with the UN highlighted the importance of multilateralism and global cooperation in achieving peace and security.
With over 100 scholarly and policy publications, Dr. Kwaja’s research covers topics such as global governance, identity politics, security sector reform, and democratization. His literary works have cemented his reputation as a leading voice in African peace and security studies.
Dr. Chris Kwaja’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to peace, security, and development. His contributions continue to inspire and drive meaningful change across Nigeria, Africa, and the global stage.
By PRNigeria
