The African School of Economics (ASE) on Tuesday, April 23, 2025, held its maiden matriculation ceremony at its Nigerian campus in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey of academic excellence.
In his address titled “Three Principles, Six Stories,” the Vice Chancellor of ASE, Professor Mahfouz Adebola Adedimeji, charged the matriculating students to embrace hard work, discipline, and focus as pillars for academic and life success. “Success doesn’t happen in a day. It requires vision, drive, determination, dedication, and most importantly, discipline,” he said.
He encouraged the students to stay away from distractions and take advantage of the global-standard facilities and opportunities ASE offers, emphasizing that “the future is now.”
Prof. Adedimeji further expressed optimism about the institution’s prospects, stating, “In the next five years, ASE will be competing with the stars in the Nigerian university ecosystem and beyond. We have everything it takes to compete globally, with our diverse faculty and student body, and strong academic partnerships.”
Chairman of the ASE Board of Trustees, Prof. Michael Maduagwu, delivered the keynote lecture titled “Education: Pathway to Success in Life.” He underscored the value of education as a foundation for personal and societal advancement. “Education is the key. It prepares you for life and success,” he said. Addressing the role of the internet in modern learning, he noted that while technology offers access, it does not replace reading. “The internet brings the book to you, but you still have to read, digest, and prepare.”
The event also featured goodwill messages from dignitaries, including the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, the Director-General of Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Dr. Soji Eniade, Registrar of the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Wife of ASE BoT Chairman,Mrs. Kate Maduagwu, and JAMB Registrar,Prof Ishaq Oloyede.
The Dean of Faculties,Dr. Ajuwon had the honour of introducing the new matriculants, while the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adedimeji, administered the oath of matriculation on the students, officially ushering them into the ASE academic community.
The historic event attracted members of the diplomatic corps, academia, development partners, civil society, the media, and other stakeholders, reaffirming ASE’s growing reputation as a hub of intellectual excellence and leadership development on the African continent.
Founded by Prof. Leonard Wantchekon, ASE boast strong international partnerships and has campuses in the United States, Canada, and Benin Republic. Its Abuja campus, licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in April 2024, is its latest milestone in Pan-African academic expansion.
