UNIMAID and ActionAid Nigeria Graduate First Cohort from Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus Academy
The University of Maiduguri, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, has held a graduation ceremony for the first cohort of 32 participants from its Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) Nexus Academy.
This partnership, formalized in December 2023, aims to transform humanitarian and development efforts across Nigeria, with a particular focus on the Northeast.
In his opening address, Programme Coordinator Prof. Kawu Monguno welcomed attendees, including graduates, university officials, and distinguished guests, highlighting the significance of the event.
"Today marks the graduation of the first cohort, who will go on to change the narrative in the way development, peace, and humanitarian activities are conducted, not only in the Northeast but across Nigeria," he remarked.
Prof. Monguno explained that the HDP Nexus Academy equips participants with the tools and skills necessary to integrate peacebuilding into development and humanitarian efforts.
He said that over the course of the five-day program, graduates engaged in a series of action-packed sessions, addressing the complexities of this integration.
Reflecting on the challenges and achievements of the program, Monguno noted that despite some difficulties, the learning environment remained positive and productive.
He also highlighted that 50% of the cohort were alumni of the University of Maiduguri, underlining the institution's role in shaping future leaders.
The HDP Nexus Academy, also known as the UNIMAID Academy, is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the complex humanitarian and development challenges in conflict-affected regions. Graduates expressed optimism about applying their new skills to improve the integration of humanitarian, development, and peace efforts across Nigeria.
During the ceremony, Hassan Usman, one of the graduates, shared how the program helped him understand the collaboration between humanitarian and peacebuilding actors in reducing vulnerability.
David Habba, Resilience Program Manager at ActionAid Nigeria and representative of the Country Director, reiterated the program’s focus on integrating peace, development, and humanitarian efforts in Nigeria, especially in the Northeast.
He acknowledged the ongoing challenges in implementing the HDP Nexus, such as lack of awareness and commitment, and highlighted how the academy addresses these gaps.
Habba stressed the importance of collaboration across sectors, emphasizing that the real competition lies in the challenges Nigeria faces, not among practitioners. He encouraged the graduates to continue promoting the course to others.
Special appreciation was extended to the trainers, the University of Maiduguri leadership, and the HDP Academy coordinators for their unwavering support. The event concluded with celebrations, as graduates were recognized as pioneers of the academy and future cohorts were encouraged.
Prof. Yahaya Aliyu, Librarian of the University of Maiduguri, representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laminu Mele, lauded the organizers and urged participants to disseminate their learning in their respective institutions for the benefit of society at large.
