Coventry graduate up for international award in recognition of anti-terrorism work

A Coventry University graduate helping to prevent vulnerable young people turning to extremism has been shortlisted for this year’s Alumni of the Year awards.

Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar is up for the Social Impact Award by the British Council in recognition of his efforts to stop people across West Africa becoming radicalised.      

The 35-year-old graduated from an MA in Terrorism, International Crime and Global Security at Coventry University in 2013 before returning to his home country of Ghana to put his education to good use by setting up the West African Centre for Counter Extremism (WACCE).

WACCE works to deepen understanding of violent extremism and help those at risk reintegrate into society, find work or return to education. It has already helped more than 20 young people including a 21-year-old who was prevented from travelling to Syria to join ISIS with just hours to spare.

Mutaru was named as African of the Year 2017 in recognition of his work and is now one of nine finalists in the British Council’s Study UK Alumni Awards 2017-18 in Ghana.

Mutaru Muqthar, who lives in Accra, said: 

“I am very honoured to be nominated for this award to celebrate education in the UK and in Ghana. My time at Coventry helped me on my journey in so many ways and there is no greater testament for the work that we do than recognition like this.

West Africa is one of the deadliest regions for terrorism and continues to serve as an epicentre for radicalisation and violent extremism. My team and I are confident that this ongoing recognition will serve as a motivation to continue to do more.”

Selected from 1,700 applicants across 140 UK institutions, finalists were chosen for their achievements as business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders, and for their important contribution to strengthening ties between the UK and Ghana. 

Alan Rutt, country director at the British Council in Ghana, said:

“Through the Study UK Alumni Awards, the British Council is delighted to celebrate the achievements of those outstanding students who contribute so positively to the development of Ghana, on their return.

 This year’s finalists are testimony not only to the diversity of UK alumni and their endeavours, but also to the transformative impact of a UK education.”