The African School of Economics (ASE), Abuja, continued its commitment to shaping the discourse on higher education in Africa with the successful hosting of its 4th Public Lecture (ASEPL 4.0), themed: “The 21st Century Nigerian University: Pitfalls and Pathways.”

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Ochonu, Moses, a distinguished scholar from Vanderbilt University, USA, who offered a visionary critique of Nigeria’s university system. He identified a “crisis of relevance” in higher education and emphasized the urgent need for interdisciplinary learning, student-centered reforms, and depoliticised academic culture.

He further advocated for a Student Bill of Rights, a recalibrated curriculum aligned with global realities, and a more expansive, grounded approach to decolonisation.

In his powerful address titled “Ideas Rule the World,” Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, Vice-Chancellor of ASE, Nigeria, highlighted the university’s mission to transform the continent through high-quality education that builds academic, technical, professional, and entrepreneurial capacities.

The event attracted key stakeholders and academic leaders across the Nigerian higher education sector, including:

• Ashafa Ladan, representing the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC)

• Prof. Andrew Haruna, Secretary-General, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities

• Prof. Osita Agbu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Baze University

• Very Rev. Dr. Ozioma Israel, Provost, Pan-African School of Social Work

• Dr. Ayodele Gatta, representing the Registrar, AFRICAN AVIATION & AEROSPACE UNIVERSITY

• Alh. Hammeed Olufadi, Registrar, Ahman Pategi University—APU, Kwara State

• Dr. Abdulhakeem Bello, African University of Science and Technology (AUST)

During the goodwill messages, stakeholders lauded ASE’s Pan-African vision and commended the relevance of the lecture theme. Speakers emphasized issues such as the misuse of Artificial Intelligence in academia, lecturer quality, and the need for innovation.

The program concluded with the presentation of an Award of Merit to Prof. Ochonu in recognition of his contributions to African scholarship and his incisive engagement during the lecture.

As part of its Public Lecture Series, ASE continues to position itself as a thought leader and solutions incubator for African education systems. With active operations in Nigeria, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, and Tanzania, and partnerships with top global institutions, ASE is leading the charge toward an African-led, globally relevant academic future.