Chris Kwaja (born 12 May 1977) is a Nigerian academic, Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the Centre for Peace and Security Studies (CPSS), Modibbo Adama Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria. Prior to joining the CPSS, he lectured at the Centre for Conflict Management and Peace Studies, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria. He is also a Global Fellow of the Centre for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, Brown University, United States. Between 2011 and 2015 he served as Director General, Research and Planning, Governor's Office, as well as Honourable Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftancy Affairs in Plateau State. In January 2018, He was appointed Senior Advisor-Nigeria by the United States Institute for Peace (USIP) with mandate to provide strategic advise to grow USIP's work in Nigeria and the broader Lake Chad Basin Area. Background Chris Kwaja was born in Bassa on 12 May 1977. Kwaja attended the University of Jos, where he earned his BSc., MSc., and PhD degrees in Political Science, International Relations and Strategic Studies in 2002, 2007 and 2014 respectively. For his doctoral thesis titled "Security Sector Reform and Peacebuilding in Liberia", Kwaja won the United Nations University for Peace doctoral research award. Career Shortly after completing his master's programme in 2007, Chris Kwaja began his teaching career as the Lecturer in the newly established Center For Peace and Conflict resolution, University of Jos. Thereafter, he moved to the Centre for Peace and Security Studies (CPSS), Modibbo Adama Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria as senior lecturer. Beyond academia, Kwaja has served and serves in different public capacities. In view of his literary works and expertise on African peace and security, in 2018, the United Nations Human Rights Council appointed him as African Representative on the United Nations Working Group on Mercenaries. Between 2019 and 2020, he was elected Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group. His experiences within the United Nations has enabled him prioritise the strategic role and importance of multilateralism and global cooperation for achieving peace and security. References 1977 births Living people University of Jos alumni Academic staff of the University of Jos International relations historians Political historians Nigerian academics