The Africa Center of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP) has been awarded the prestigious Gates Foundation Foot Soldier Excellence Award 2025 for its outstanding field leadership and implementation of Maternal, Newborn, Child, Nutrition and Health (MNCNH) innovations under the AIM MNCNH Programme. The recognition was announced during the Gates Foundation NCO Policy Advocacy and Communication (PAC) Partners Community of Practice End-of-Year Convening, where ACEPHAP, represented by Dr. Aminu Wakili, highlighted key advocacy achievements, challenges, and priorities for 2026. Presented by the Deputy Director of the Gates Foundation Nigeria Country Office, the award celebrates ACEPHAP’s exceptional dedication, strong field performance, and consistent impact, with the center also earning a nomination for the Most Energetic Partner Award.

On 22nd September 2025, the Director of ACEPHAP, Prof. Hadiza Shehu Galadanci, led her team on a courtesy visit to the new Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano (BUK), Prof. Haruna Musa, to congratulate him on his appointment and share the center’s achievements since inception. During the meeting, Prof. Galadanci reaffirmed ACEPHAP’s commitment to addressing health challenges in line with SDG 3, while expressing optimism for the Vice-Chancellor’s success. In response, Prof. Musa commended ACEPHAP’s contributions to maternal health and the university’s global visibility, assuring the team of his administration’s support through sustainable initiatives, research prioritization, and strategies to enhance BUK’s global ranking.