Africa Center of Excellence (ACE) Opening Remarks on ACE Country Review Workshop Wednesday, 29TH September, 2023 By Mr. Sayuti Saaka Dir of Administration on behalf of Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai Deputy Director General

Dear distinguished participants and centre leaders,

I stand before you today with immense gratitude and pride in our collective efforts as we convene for this crucial Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) Project Country Review Meeting. Your dedication to this transformative initiative is a testament to your commitment to excellence in education and research within our country. I am truly honoured to address each one of you.

Today's meeting holds paramount significance in our journey. It provides us with a platform to reflect on our progress, identify areas for improvement, and reaffirm our commitment to the overarching goals of the ACE project. It is also very significant because next year, 2024, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the ACE project - a representation of excellence in the tertiary landscape. Together, we are shaping the future of education and research in our nation, and it is not a responsibility we take lightly.

As we proceed through the agenda, I want us to keep a few key principles in mind:

1. Transparency and open Communication: This meeting is an opportunity for open and honest dialogue. Share your achievements, challenges, and concerns without hesitation. Together, we can find solutions and celebrate successes
2. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: The strength of our ACE project lies in our ability to collaborate effectively. Let's explore opportunities for cross-center collaboration, leveraging each other's strengths to achieve common objectives.
3. Equity and Inclusivity: It is crucial that we ensure equitable resource allocation and support for all ACE centres. Every centre plays a vital role, and no one should be left behind……… AAU, for your information.
4. Quality Assurance: Our commitment to excellence extends to maintaining and improving the quality of education, research, and infrastructure across all centres. Let's work together to set high standards and ensure we meet or exceed them.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are essential to measure our impact and make data-driven decisions. Let's refine these processes to enhance project effectiveness.
6. Vision and Future Plans: Each of you is a visionary leader responsible for guiding your center's future. Share your vision and strategic plans, and let's align them with the broader objectives of the ACE project.

Today, we are not merely reviewing our progress; we are charting a course for the future towards our 10th  year and beyond. The challenges we face are opportunities for growth, and the successes we celebrate are the fuel for our continued dedication. I encourage each one of you to actively participate, share your insights, and ask questions. Your perspectives are invaluable, and your voices will shape the direction of this project.

As we conclude this meeting my hope is that we leave with a renewed sense of purpose, a clear roadmap for the future, and a deepened commitment to our shared vision of excellence in education and research.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and for being the driving force behind the ACE project in our country. Together, we will continue to make a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and contribute to the advancement of our nation.

Let’s embark on this journey with enthusiasm, collaboration, and the unwavering belief that we can achieve excellence together.

Thank you