The Kukah Centre (TKC) – Organization Profile
About the Organization
The Kukah Centre (TKC), also known as the Kukah Centre for Faith, Leadership and Public Policy Research, is a Nigerian non-governmental, non-profit policy research and peacebuilding organization founded by Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto.
The Centre commenced operations in 2008 in Kaduna and was formally incorporated in December 2012. It has offices in Abuja and Kaduna and works to promote good governance, peaceful coexistence, inclusive citizenship, interfaith dialogue and national development.
The organization engages government institutions, religious leaders, civil society organizations, communities, academics and development partners to address governance challenges, prevent conflict and strengthen democratic participation.
Mission
To promote the common good through inclusive governance, effective public policies, citizen participation, dialogue and collaborative approaches to national development.
Vision
A humane, democratic and free society where citizens enjoy equal opportunities and live without exclusion based on ethnicity, religion, gender, social status or economic circumstances.
Core Values
- Peace and reconciliation.
- Human dignity and equality.
- Inclusiveness and social justice.
- Dialogue and mutual understanding.
- Accountability and good governance.
- Citizen participation.
- Collaboration and partnership.
Core Areas of Intervention
1. Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
- Promoting peaceful coexistence among communities.
- Supporting dialogue and mediation between conflicting groups.
- Strengthening community-based peace structures.
- Supporting conflict prevention and early warning initiatives.
- Working with traditional, religious and community leaders to address tensions.
2. Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue
- Promoting conversations between Christian, Muslim and other religious communities.
- Strengthening relationships between religious leaders and public institutions.
- Supporting interfaith cooperation and mutual understanding.
- Addressing religious intolerance and promoting peaceful coexistence.
3. Good Governance and Democratic Development
- Promoting transparency, accountability and responsible leadership.
- Encouraging citizen participation in governance and public decision-making.
- Supporting democratic institutions and electoral accountability.
- Conducting policy research and advocacy on governance issues.
- Promoting inclusive political participation.
4. Leadership Development
- Supporting leadership training for emerging and established leaders.
- Promoting ethical leadership and public service.
- Organizing leadership workshops, retreats and policy discussions.
- Encouraging youth participation in leadership and national development.
5. Human Rights and Protection
- Promoting human rights and equal treatment without discrimination.
- Supporting advocacy for conflict-affected populations.
- Documenting human rights concerns and experiences of affected communities.
- Promoting the protection and dignity of internally displaced persons (IDPs), women and other vulnerable groups.
6. Memory Preservation and Knowledge Promotion
- Documenting important historical and contemporary national issues.
- Promoting research, publications and public education.
- Preserving testimonies and experiences relating to conflict and human rights.
- Encouraging informed public discussions and citizen engagement.
7. Electoral Security and Peaceful Elections
- Supporting initiatives that promote peaceful elections.
- Working with stakeholders to prevent electoral violence.
- Encouraging political parties and candidates to respect peace agreements.
- Strengthening state-based peace structures and conflict prevention mechanisms.
- Promoting inclusive participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities.
8. Public Policy Research and Advocacy
- Conducting research on governance, leadership, peace and national development.
- Developing policy recommendations for government and other stakeholders.
- Organizing policy dialogues, roundtables and public lectures.
- Promoting evidence-based decision-making.
Geographic Reach
The Kukah Centre is headquartered in Abuja, with a regional office in Kaduna. Its programmes and partnerships extend across Nigeria, including initiatives in the Northeast, Northwest, North-Central and other geopolitical zones.
The Centre has supported the establishment and strengthening of Independent State-Based Peace Architectures in several Nigerian states to promote community-led peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Its digital education initiatives have also reached schools in 13 northern Nigerian states.
Target Beneficiaries and Stakeholders
- Conflict-affected communities.
- Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
- Women and young people.
- Religious and traditional leaders.
- Civil society organizations.
- Community-based organizations.
- Political parties and democratic institutions.
- Government officials and policymakers.
- Academics and researchers.
- Vulnerable and marginalized populations.
Partnerships and Collaboration
The Kukah Centre collaborates with national and international institutions, civil society organizations, religious bodies and development partners.
Documented partners and supporters include:
- European Union.
- Open Society Foundations – Africa.
- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
- Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
- Yiaga Africa.
- Caritas Nigeria.
- Inter-Faith Mediation Centre (IMC).
- Women Interfaith Council (WIC).
- Lux Terra Leadership Foundation.
- ProFuturo Foundation.
The Centre also serves as the secretariat of the National Peace Committee, supporting its peacebuilding, mediation and electoral peace initiatives.
Careers and Opportunities
Potential career areas within The Kukah Centre include:
- Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution.
- Governance and Public Policy.
- Human Rights and Protection.
- Interfaith Dialogue and Social Cohesion.
- Research and Policy Analysis.
- Advocacy and Communications.
- Leadership Development and Training.
- Electoral Security and Democracy Support.
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL).
- Programme and Project Management.
- Community Engagement and Mobilization.
- Data Collection and Analysis.
- Finance and Administration.
- Procurement and Logistics.
These are potential employment areas based on the Centre’s programme activities and operational needs, not confirmation of current vacancies.
Focus Areas – The Kukah Centre
Peacebuilding • Conflict Resolution • Interfaith Dialogue • Good Governance • Leadership Development • Human Rights • Public Policy Research • Electoral Security • Democracy • Advocacy • Social Cohesion • Citizen Engagement • Memory Preservation • Community Development
