Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has been named Cybersecurity Research Institution of the Year 2026 in recognition of its contributions to cybersecurity research, knowledge advancement and capacity development in Nigeria.
The award was presented at the 2nd International Cybersecurity Conference (ICSC) 2026, held in Abuja.
The recognition highlights the university’s growing role in cybersecurity research and the development of expertise to address emerging cyber threats and strengthen Nigeria’s digital resilience.
The conference, themed “Defending Minds, Nations and Networks,” brought together government officials, industry leaders and cybersecurity experts to discuss emerging digital threats, artificial intelligence and strategies for improving coordinated responses to cybersecurity challenges.
Vice-Chancellor of NSUK, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, was represented at the event by the Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Professor Makwin Danladi Makut, who received the award on behalf of the university.
Other university officials in attendance included the Director of the Centre for Cybersecurity Studies, Professor Gilbert Aimufua; Deputy Director, Dr Auwal Abubakar; Director of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Professor Rashidah Funke Olanrewaju; and Head of the Department of Computer Science, Dr Binyamin Ajayi.
Alumni and students of the Centre for Cyberpace Studies also attended the conference, reflecting the institution’s commitment to developing cybersecurity expertise through academic training, research and professional engagement.
Reacting to the award, Aimufua said the recognition was a significant achievement for the centre and its team.
“The award means so much to me and my team at the Centre, being the best cybersecurity institute in the country,” he said.
He, however, acknowledged that the recognition would place the Centre under greater pressure to maintain its position, as other institutions would seek to surpass its achievements.
“It also put us on the spot as more institutes would aim at defeating us next year. We’re looking forward to breaking more grounds in the field next year. Solving Nigeria cyber concerns through research,” he added.
The award comes as Nigeria continues to confront cybersecurity challenges associated with the expansion of digital services, emerging technologies and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
NSUK’s recognition highlights the role of academic institutions in generating research, training skilled professionals and contributing to national efforts to improve cybersecurity.
The university said the achievement further demonstrates its commitment to advancing cybersecurity knowledge and building the human capacity required to respond to the evolving challenges of the digital age.
