Imrana Buba

Imrana Buba is a Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Oslo, affiliated with the Department of Comparative Politics. She holds an MSc in Africa and International Development from the University of Edinburgh (2018) and a BSc in Political Science from the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria (2014). Her research focuses on social resilience, civilian agency, and conflict dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly examining communal violence, terrorism, and post-conflict recovery in regions such as Nigeria and Mozambique.

Her work bridges academic and policy-oriented research, with a focus on understanding how local actors navigate and shape conflict environments. Key themes include the role of civilian protection payments, the impact of violent extremism on communities, and the efficacy of international interventions in fragile states.

Buba has published widely on conflict studies, peacebuilding, and development in Africa. Notable works include analyses of Boko Haram’s impact on Nigerian communities, critiques of neocolonial aid frameworks, and explorations of youth engagement in peace processes. Her research has been supported by prestigious awards, including the Cedric Smith Prize (2024) and the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship (2017).

• Grants/Awards: Cedric Smith Prize, Edinburgh Award, MasterCard Foundation Scholarship
• Teaching: Courses on peace and conflict analysis, African security, and qualitative research methods
• Research Groups: Social Resilience Building Project, Institute for Social Research (UiO)

Buba’s work also engages with policy communities, offering insights into conflict prevention and humanitarian strategies. She frequently contributes op-eds on Nigerian security dynamics and the evolving threats posed by non-state armed groups.