Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has said the Federal Government is in full support of the Africa Centres of Excellence (ACEs) Projects initiative.
The Minister made this known during the official launch of the African Centres of Excellence Alliance and unveiling of the ACE Compendium in selected universities in Nigeria, held on Monday 3rd November 2025, at the National Universities Commission (NUC), Abuja.
According to Alausa, this initiative underscores the government’s determination to leverage the lessons and successes of the ACEs to strengthen and transform higher education through diversified partnerships and sustained investments.
Emphasizing that the initiative has not only strengthened Nigeria’s position as a leader in higher education in Africa but has also demonstrated how strategic partnerships can drive sustainable growth.
He noted that by fostering excellence in research, teaching, and innovation, the ACEs are helping to shape the skilled workforce and knowledge base our nation needs to compete in a dynamic global economy.
The Minister also stated that the ACE Project which is funded by the World Bank, in collaboration with the Federal Government, aligns seamlessly with President Bala Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes education as the bedrock of national development.
Dr. Alausa applauded the ACEs initiative for its achievements and impacts in transforming ideas into viable solutions and enterprises, contributing to research, innovation, and national development.
He urged all stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to advancing the frontiers of knowledge, building human capital, and fostering regional collaboration for sustainable development.
“Through this Alliance, the Centres will not only continue their research and capacity-building missions but will also work together more strategically to influence policy, attract investment, and deliver impact on a large scale” he noted.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abdullah Yusuf Ribadu, emphasized that the ACE Project has empowered over 17 Nigerian Universities hosting 20 Centres of Excellence to deliver high-quality postgraduate training, cutting – edge and, and solution-oriented partnerships in areas that matters most not only to national but also regional development, such as health, agriculture, education, engineering, ICT, and the environment.
Prof. Ribadu further stated that through the ACEs, Nigeria has attracted regional students and faculty from across Africa, promoting integration and cross-border collaboration.
“We have achieved international accreditation for academic programmes offered by the ACEs, thereby aligning them with global benchmarks.
“The Compendium key achievements and impacts of the ACEs stands as a historic documentation of these outcomes, it is a living archive of research, innovation, and leadership”.
Dr Joshua Atah, National Project Coordinator of the ACE Project, said the Centres have produced over 6,600 graduates, including 1,596 PhDs, many of whom are now leading researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.
He added that faculty and students of the ACEs have published more than 4,200 peer-reviewed scientific papers in reputable journals, advancing global knowledge in critical fields.