14 Nigerian Universities Generate Over ₦3.2 Billion Through African Centres of Excellence
Fourteen Nigerian universities generated over ₦3.2 billion through the African Centres of Excellence (ACE) program, advancing research, education, and innovation in critical sectors.
Fourteen Nigerian universities have collectively generated more than ₦3.2 billion through the African Centres of Excellence (ACE) project. This initiative, driven by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and supported by the World Bank, is aimed at advancing research, innovation, and postgraduate education in Nigeria and across West Africa.
💼 What Are African Centres of Excellence (ACEs)?
The ACE initiative supports universities in addressing development challenges in key sectors such as science, technology, health, agriculture, and engineering. Through funding, partnerships, and infrastructure support, these Centres help institutions deliver high-quality postgraduate training and applied research.
📊 How the ₦3.2 Billion Was Generated
According to Dr. Joshua Atah, the ACE Project Coordinator, the ₦3.2 billion was raised through research grants, innovation outputs, service delivery, and strategic partnerships both locally and internationally. This demonstrates the growing capability of Nigerian institutions to generate sustainable income while improving education standards.
🎯 Impact on Education and Development
These funds are being used to support faculty training, infrastructure upgrades, and collaborative research. Beyond financial gains, the ACE program is enhancing the quality and relevance of postgraduate programs, attracting international scholars, and promoting regional development goals.
🏛️ Institutions Involved
Some of the universities benefiting from ACE include:
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- University of Benin
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
- University of Port Harcourt
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
🔮 Looking Forward
As Nigeria continues to invest in higher education, programs like ACE offer a powerful model for capacity building and sustainable development. More universities are expected to join the ACE network, expanding their research influence across Africa.
To learn more about the ACE initiative, visit the official NUC ACE Portal.
