Dr. Harrison Nnaemeka Nnaji is an exceptional Nigerian and a trailblazer in the field of Information Technology. With four master’s degrees and a doctorate—and a second doctorate in view—he stands as a guru in data and information security, blending academic prowess with over 18 years of industry excellence.

Dr. Nnaji is a highly accomplished Data and Information Security executive with expertise in cyber and information security strategy, architecture design, forensics, fraud management, IT strategy development, risk management, and regulatory compliance. His unparalleled skills have made him an invaluable asset in policy formulation, process design, and organizational transformation in technology and security domains.

He currently serves as the Group Head & Group Chief Information Security Officer at First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a position he holds with the rank of Deputy General Manager. In this capacity, he oversees cybersecurity operations spanning Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, DRC, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and the UK.

Before joining First Bank in November 2017, Dr. Nnaji held pivotal roles in other prominent organizations. At United Bank for Africa (UBA), he served as Senior Manager and Divisional Head of IT Enterprise Security, managing IT security operations across 19 African countries and international locations, including the UK, USA, and Paris. At IBM West Africa, from 2011 to 2014, he managed network and security infrastructure across nine countries, spearheading numerous transformational initiatives. His earlier roles at Airtel Networks Ltd, Celtel Nigeria Ltd, Telnet Nigeria Ltd, and Redington Nigeria Ltd further reflect his extensive experience and consistent excellence in IT security and infrastructure management.

Dr. Nnaji’s academic journey is as remarkable as his professional accomplishments. He earned a B.Eng in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) in 2003. His academic qualifications include an M.Sc. in Security Management from the University of Portsmouth, UK (2017), an M.Phil. in Management from Walden University, USA (2021), and a Master’s in Cyber Security (Cloud Security Architect) from EC-Council University (2022). His doctorate in Management, Leadership & Organizational Strategy was conferred by Walden University in 2023, and he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Offensive Cyber Engineering at Capitol Technology University, USA.

Harrison is also the Director of the ISC2 (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium) Nigeria Chapter and a former Vice Chairman of the Committee of Chief Information Security Officers for Nigerian Financial Services and Payment Services Providers. His numerous certifications and ongoing engagements in professional training exemplify his commitment to staying at the forefront of his field.

His exemplary work has earned him a plethora of accolades, including the First Bank Heroes Awards (2020, 2022), CISO of the Year Award by Finnovex West Africa (2022), and the Development in Nigeria Merit Award (2023). Earlier in his career, he received the IBM Manager’s Award for “Unite and Get it Done Now” (2013), a Cash Award for Excellence by IBM Management (2012), and the Award for Excellent Service Delivery by Hamid Husain, Chief Information Officer, Zain Nigeria (2009). He also received eight commendation letters for outstanding service delivery from UBA senior management in 2016 and 2017.

Dr. Harrison Nnaemeka Nnaji’s career reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in technology and cybersecurity.

It was in recognition of his contribution to nation building in the area of Business Intelligence and Information Management that Dr Harrison Nnaemeka Nnaji was deemed worthy to be conferred with the Nigerian Achievement Award.