Chris Balie Ayu
Network Engineer
Abuja,FC
Summary
Highly skilled and technically proficient Cloud, Network and System Engineer with over 6 years of experience seeking a challenging role that leverages extensive experience in operational IT support, Linux/Windows Server management, and network security. I aim to apply my knowledge and expertise to a dynamic team while contributing to successfully delivering complex IT solutions. Driven to constantly evolve alongside technological advancements, ensuring optimal system functionality and business efficiency.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
System Administrator
Virtual Intelligence Solutions
02.2024 - Current
- Install, configure, and maintain networks, operating systems, software, and hardware.
- Ensure systems are up-to-date with the latest patches and updates.
- Manage, monitor (using Zabbix network monitoring), and maintain network infrastructure (Ubiquiti UniFi controller software, devices (Access Points, Switches), Aruba, Cisco switches), and firewalls (Fortinet, Sophos).
- Configure and manage Sophos Connect and FortiClient VPNs for secure remote access connectivity.
- Monitor network performance and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
- Configure and maintain the office VoIP system (Grandstream UCM6301).
- Manage VoIP infrastructure for internal and external call routing.
- Perform routine updates and backups of IP phones, softphones, PBX server.
- Implement and manage security measures, and licenses to protect IT systems from cyber-attacks.
- Monitor security logs and respond to potential security incidents.
- Ensure compliance with security policies and best practices.
- Provide technical support to users, resolving hardware and software issues.
- Troubleshoot and resolve network and system-related problems.
- Installed important security and functionality patches to maintain optimal protections against intrusion and system reliability.
- Maintain a helpdesk system for tracking and managing support requests using Jira.
- Develop and implement backup strategies to ensure data integrity and availability.
- Perform regular backups and test restore procedures.
- Create and maintain disaster recovery plans.
- Manage and maintain physical and virtual servers.
- Monitor servers (Synology NAS, Ubuntu, Windows Server 2016, 2019) performance, updates and backups.
- Ensure adequate storage availability and manage storage resources efficiently, create/delete shares, and network drives.
- Manage Active Directory: Manage and maintain a College domain with over 150 Active Directory users, configuring OUs, security groups/policies including rights to files and directories.
- Continuously monitor system performance and uptime.
- Perform regular maintenance tasks such as system updates, disk cleanups, and hardware replacements.
- Proactively identify and resolve potential issues before they impact users.
- Maintain detailed documentation of systems, configurations, and procedures.
- Design new network plans, topologies, and diagrams.
- Generate reports on system performance, security incidents, and other relevant metrics.
- Document changes and updates to the IT infrastructure.
- Completed reports detailing network and systems performance and downtime issues.
Network Engineer (Team Lead)
Access Solutions Limited
06.2022 - 02.2024
- NOC management and first-line support to network outages, downtime, and general administration.
- Administered, maintained, and supported network systems to provide consistent security, availability, and performance.
- Guided and assisted users and clients with technical issues, improving network performance and usability.
- Manage clients’ internet usage, optimization, and bandwidth using Bandwidth & Network Management software.
- Performed tests on newly installed hardware and software to provide components that interface correctly with each other and network.
- Employed firewalls (Zeroshell, PfSense, Cisco ASA Series) to safeguard and block unauthorized network access.
- Supported various operating systems and server technologies.
- Maximized network availability and performance by monitoring, troubleshooting, resolving outages, and scheduling upgrades.
- Documentation, network design, planning, configurations, setup, and maintenance of projects.
- Performed testing to deliver integration and interoperability of network technologies/devices.
- Provided smooth communications by configuring LAN technology, wireless access points, and controllers.
- Configured routers, and switches to deploy and support LAN, WAN, and wireless networks.
- Fibre optic BGP, MPLS, GPON, Layer 2 & 3 switching, configuration, setup, and core/edge network management.
- Developed disaster recovery and fault tolerance plans to support data recovery, failed connectivity links, and asset management.
- Configured and managed VoIP systems for clients and the office; 3CX PBX phone systems, Asterisk PBX voice communication over fiber lines.
- Secured network systems by establishing and enforcing access control policies.
- Documented as-built for network architectures according to established processes and suggestions for workflow improvements.
- Monitored and performed hardware and software upgrades to network servers, including operating systems and applications.
- Evaluated network performance to optimize traffic flow, maintain security, and improve processes.
- Assisted various departments in maintaining network security and configured remote routers and firewalls.
- Performed long-range PTP Wireless Radio connectivity of clients to our network.
- Linking remote sites through PTP or PTMP wireless communication networks.
IT Specialist (Head of IT)
Reslarc Group Nigeria Limited
06.2021 - 06.2022
- Led the installation and configuration of critical IT equipment including computers, printers, switches, routers, and servers, ensuring full operational capacity and system reliability.
- Providing technical assistance for computers: hardware and software.
- Setup, configuration, and maintenance of office LAN and WLAN.
- Managed inventories/database and stock of company equipment.
- Resolve issues for staff ranging from login issues, software/hardware malfunctioning, and network-related issues.
- Ensured that software/hardware components were always updated.
- Maintained all office equipment such as copiers, laptops, computers, printers, and servers.
- VoIP IP PBX phone set up and network configuration.
- CCTV setup and installation and monitoring.
- Mikrotik/Cisco router and switch configuration and management.
- Microsoft server management (Domain Active Directory, Hyper-V).
- Door lock/access control setup and network configuration.
- Designed and modified office network diagram.
- Communicated technical concepts to customers clearly by phone, email, and online chat.
- Carried out PCs, network and server troubleshooting and maintenance at client sites (INEC, Nigeria Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC) HQ).
- Promoted from IT Support Assistant to Head of IT in January 2022.
- I led the team that executed a contract at INEC Institute Abuja for the full setup of the INEC Geospatial Data Centre covering but not limited to the areas below:
- Produced a detailed logical and physical network diagram for the Lab.
- Setup of LAN (lying of Ethernet cables, installing/configuring switches and routers, rack mount and setup).
- Installation and setup of computers, printers, plotter, Smart displays, HP ProLiant and HP StoreEasy servers, etc.
- Microsoft Server 2016 & 2012 R2 installation and configuration (domain, groups, user accounts, computers, group policies, access control, storage server, DNS, DHCP, etc).
- Software installation/updates (Google Earth, Antivirus, ArcGIS).
Junior Network Admin
A-G Placid Nigeria Ltd
02.2020 - 12.2020
- Implemented and carried out deployment, setup, and configuration of LAN, WLAN networks for office and clients’ sites.
- Handled supplies of ICT equipment for office and clients.
- Carried out configuration and installation of computer systems in the office and on-site.
- Set up security access to WLAN devices and components.
- Monitored network availability and performance by monitoring, troubleshooting, resolving outages, and scheduling upgrades.
IT Support Assistant
Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA)
06.2018 - 03.2020
- Company Overview: NGO
- Provide technical assistance with computer hardware and software to other staff as required.
- Executed the installation and configuration of IT equipment, ensuring optimal performance and usability throughout the organization.
- Setup and configuration of office LAN and WLAN.
- Handled procurement processes and transactions for the office.
- Managed inventories and stock of company equipment and materials.
- Resolve issues for staff ranging from login issues, software/hardware malfunctioning, network-related issues.
- Ensured that software/hardware components were always updated.
- Maintained all office equipment such as copiers, computers, printers, and first aid kit to facilitate smooth office functioning.
- Created/updated records and databases as required.
- Assisted in the management of all company vehicle inventory and movement computation.
- NGO
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
University of The People
10-2028
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) - CCNA
Cisco
09-2025
Associate Cloud Engineer - Google Cloud Platform
Google
06.2025
Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) - Cyber Security
ISC2
03.2025
Sophos Detection And Response Certified Engineer V5.5 (ET12) - Cyber Security
Sophos
02.2025
Sophos Central Endpoint Protection Certified Technician v5.0 (S15) -
Sophos
02.2025
Sophos Central Endpoint Protection Certified Engineer v5.0 (ET15) -
Sophos
01.2025
Technical Support Fundamentals - Network And System Administration
Google
03.2024
Certified Associate in Cybersecurity - Cyber Security
Fortinet
Fortinet Training Institute01-2024
AWS: Networking (Cloud Administration) - Cloud Computing
LinkedIn Learning
06.2023
Network Design and Performance Evaluation - undefined
LinkedIn Learning
05.2023
Skills
- IT infrastructure planning and design
- Troubleshooting network issues
- Firewalls and endpoint security
- Network configuration
- Failure/Fault resolution
- Hardware/Software troubleshooting
- Technical solution development
- Infrastructure upgrading
- New program installations
- Linux administration
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Personal Information
Gender: Male
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading & researching
- Traveling
- Listening to music
- Football
Timeline
System Administrator
Virtual Intelligence Solutions
02.2024 - Current
Network Engineer (Team Lead)
Access Solutions Limited
06.2022 - 02.2024
IT Specialist (Head of IT)
Reslarc Group Nigeria Limited
06.2021 - 06.2022
Junior Network Admin
A-G Placid Nigeria Ltd
02.2020 - 12.2020
IT Support Assistant
Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA)
06.2018 - 03.2020
Network Design and Performance Evaluation - undefined
LinkedIn Learning
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
University of The People
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) - CCNA
Cisco
Associate Cloud Engineer - Google Cloud Platform
Google
Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) - Cyber Security
ISC2
Sophos Detection And Response Certified Engineer V5.5 (ET12) - Cyber Security
Sophos
Sophos Central Endpoint Protection Certified Technician v5.0 (S15) -
Sophos
Sophos Central Endpoint Protection Certified Engineer v5.0 (ET15) -
Sophos
Technical Support Fundamentals - Network And System Administration
Google
Certified Associate in Cybersecurity - Cyber Security
Fortinet
AWS: Networking (Cloud Administration) - Cloud Computing
LinkedIn Learning
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