Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, a graduate of Coventry's International Terrorism masters course, spoke at the University Alumni Association event held at its partner institution, Ghana Technology University College.

The 34-year-old has already helped at least 20 people turn away from extremism in Ghana since he set up the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE) after graduating from Coventry University in 2013.

He and his team have so far helped 22 radicalised people to turn their back on terrorism and last year prevented a 21-year-old from joining ISIS in Syria.

Speaking about his life-changing work to graduates in Ghana on Saturday Mutaru said he felt happy that the work his organisation was undertaking was finally getting recognition."I feel excited that people are recognising what I'm doing here and happy that we are finally gaining some support. My organisation focuses on counter-extremism. We have a way of zoning or classifying groups or communities as vulnerable and which may be open to radicalisation. The truth is that radicalisation is the single biggest factor that leads people into terrorism." He added, "There is a methodology that these vulnerable people are taken through by groups such as ISIS. My organisation and programme engages with these people and takes them through a process which supports them, de-radicalises them and helps them back into society, school and work. So far we have helped a number of people to turn away from terrorism. I want to engage with more people and bring more people into my organisation who can do incredible research. This way we can continue our work and expand across West Africa where many vulnerable people are living."

Mutaru originally from Accra, works across West Africa to deepen understanding of violent extremism and radicalization to promote the support available to vulnerable people at risk.

He appeared as a guest speaker at the University event, which was run in conjunction with the British Council, and included masterclasses on entrepreneurship and employability for around 100 graduates.

Mutaru hopes that by speaking to others about his work and how postgraduate study helped him develop the skills he needed to act, he can encourage more people to use education and make a difference.

John Latham, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University, said: "Our students and alumni make a significant contribution to their communities, be they in the UK or internationally. "Mutaru's is among the most significant and important. His team's work will shape many young lives and spread a message of peace and I am delighted that his journey began in Coventry. "The success of our alumni is in part down to the experiences they have here and the opportunities they take throughout their studies."

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Coventry University.

For further press information please contact:

Hannah Smith
Press Officer
+44 247 7658 352
hannah.smith@coventry.ac.uk

Notes to the Editors

Please follow this link to download a Q&A document with Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar

In recognition of his own work since graduating from Coventry in 2013, Mutaru was shortlisted for an international award at the UK Alumni Awards in Ghana. Selected from 60 nominees, Mutaru represented Coventry University in the social impact category.
In 2016 he was also elected as a Mandela Washington Fellow for Young African Leaders, being invited to a summit in Washington D.C where he met former US President Obama.

About Coventry University

Coventry University is a dynamic, global and transformational 'modern university' whose roots can be traced back to 1843.

Through its links with leading-edge businesses and organizations in a variety of countries and industries, Coventry University's 26,000+ students enjoy access to placements and international opportunities which ensure that their employment prospects are enhanced by the time they graduate. Its students also benefit from state-of-the-art equipment and facilities in all academic disciplines, from health, business and performing arts to industrial design, engineering and computing.

Coventry was named 'University of the Year' in the THE Awards 2015, and as of 2015 the institution is the country's top modern university in the Guardian University Guide - in which it ranks 15th overall - as well as being named named 'Modern University of the Year' in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide for three years running from 2014 to 2016.