UN-PAF Appoints UNIMAID Registrar as Borno Director to Lead Peacebuilding Initiatives

The United Nations Peace Ambassadors Foundation, UN-PAF, has appointed the Registrar of the University of Maiduguri, Ahmad Alhaji Lawan, as its new Director for Borno State.

According to a statement from the Office of the Africa High Commissioner, the appointment places the experienced administrator at the forefront of the Foundation’s strategic operations in the state. The statement noted that the decision recognises his extensive academic, professional, and administrative experience, and positions him to champion peace, development, and community empowerment across Borno.

In his new role, Lawan is expected to provide strategic leadership, administrative coordination, and programme development. The Foundation stated that his responsibilities will include supporting initiatives focused on peacebuilding and conflict prevention, dialogue and reconciliation, humanitarian and community development, youth and women empowerment, and human rights.

The Director will also drive programmes centered on education, professional development, and community resilience that are aligned with the global Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.

Lawan brings strong academic credentials to the role. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education, a Master of Public Administration, and a Master of Science in International Relations. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Managers and Administrators, IPMA, and the Chartered Institute of Corporate Administrators, CICA. He is also a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management, NIM, the Association of Nigeria Universities Professional Administrators, ANUPA, and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU.

To achieve the mandate, UN-PAF expects the Director to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels. He has been tasked to work with government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, educational institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners. The Foundation particularly emphasised engagement with youth and women organisations, as well as local communities, to ensure grassroots impact.

The Office of the Africa High Commissioner expressed confidence in his capacity to deliver, noting that his blend of professionalism and visionary leadership would advance humanitarian action in the region. The Foundation called on its officials, Peace Ambassadors, and strategic partners to extend cooperation and support to the newly appointed Borno State Director as he assumes responsibilities.

Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, on behalf of the university community, expressed pride in the global recognition accorded to the Registrar.

Congratulating Ahmad Alhaji Lawan, the Vice-Chancellor described the appointment as a reflection of the institution’s standard. He said: "This is not just a personal milestone for the Registrar, but a proud reflection of the institutional excellence and high-caliber leadership that UNIMAID continues to export to the global stage."