By Our Reporter, Abuja | November 4, 2025

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) Alliance and unveiled a comprehensive compendium highlighting Nigeria’s achievements in transnational education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and regional academic excellence.

The event, held at the National Universities Commission (NUC) headquarters in Abuja, was presided over by the Minister of Education, Chief Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, FAMedS, CON.

Dr. Alausa described the launch as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to strengthening tertiary and technical education as vital tools for innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable development.

He explained that the ACE Alliance brings together all 20 Africa Centres of Excellence (ACEs) established in Nigeria — including those transitioned during the ACE Impact phase — into a strategic platform for collaboration and regional partnership.

Funded by the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD) in partnership with the Federal Government, the ACE Project has enhanced institutional capacity, promoted research excellence, and produced a new generation of skilled graduates driving innovation across Africa.

The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, described the ACE Project as one of Africa’s most transformative higher education initiatives. He further disclosed plans for the ACE Innovate Project, which seeks $150 million in proposed funding to expand regional collaboration and equip African youth with advanced technical and entrepreneurial skills.