The World Bank has commended Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Chancellor and Founder of Baze University, Abuja, for his pioneering contributions to higher education in Africa. The recognition came during a high-profile visit to the university by the World Bank’s Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa, Mr. Ousmane Diagana.

During the visit, Diagana described Baze University as a model of African excellence—an institution conceived, built, and run by Africans, for Africans. He praised the university’s innovative approach to education, its commitment to academic integrity, and its role in shaping a new generation of African leaders.

“I am happy to see a university of this standard built by an African and led by Africans,” Diagana said. “Institutions like Baze University play a critical role in human capital development and serve as beacons of what is possible on the continent.”

He reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to supporting youth empowerment, people-centered development, and education, identifying them as central pillars of Africa’s transformation agenda.

In his response, Senator Baba-Ahmed expressed deep appreciation for the World Bank’s sustained support to the Global South, particularly in advancing education and inclusive growth. He emphasized Baze University’s growing impact within and beyond Nigeria.

“In 2019, 30 out of 31 Baze University students who pursued postgraduate degrees in the UK graduated with distinctions,” he noted. “This is a testament to the quality of our teaching, our values of academic excellence, and our technological orientation.”

Baba-Ahmed also shared ambitious plans to expand the university’s scope, including the establishment of a flying school aimed at addressing the aviation sector’s skills deficit in Nigeria and the broader region.

The university's Vice Chancellor, Professor Jamila Shu’ara, also highlighted Baze University’s impressive growth. She noted that the institution currently hosts 6,985 students and 920 staff members, with over 3,400 graduates already contributing to national and global development.

“Baze is a university of tomorrow,” she said. “We use smart technology, inclusive policies, and maintain full accreditation from nine professional bodies, ensuring that our students receive the best possible education.”

The visit featured an interactive session with students and faculty, focusing on the role of education in solving Africa’s development challenges and the importance of development financing in expanding access to quality learning.

The World Bank delegation included:

  • Mr. Ndiamé Diop, Country Director for Nigeria;
  • Dr. Abebe Adugna, Regional Practice Director;
  • Ms. Naye Anna Bathily, External Relations Manager;
  • Mr. Mansir Nasir, Senior External Affairs Officer; and
  • Ms. Maryam Laushi Dasilva, External Affairs Officer.

Their presence underscored the global institution’s support for indigenous educational initiatives that are building capacity and driving innovation across the continent.

Would you like this turned into a media release, school magazine feature, or donor-focused summary?