The United States Embassy in Abuja has officially reopened its American Center at the Embassy Chancery, unveiling a newly redesigned facility aimed at strengthening educational, cultural, and professional engagement with Nigerians.
The reopening ceremony, held on Wednesday, celebrated American excellence, creativity, and shared values, according to a statement released by the embassy. The revamped center features modernised spaces and enhanced digital technology designed to serve Nigerians of all ages.
Speaking at the event, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr., said the American Center remains a vital platform for opportunity, learning, and collaboration.
“We are proud to reopen the American Center as a space that celebrates American excellence in the arts and reflects the values that define our nation,” Mills said. “American Spaces have become trusted venues for young people seeking opportunities to learn about the United States, improve their English, and develop professional skills.”
He noted that the center provides a welcoming environment for students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to connect, collaborate, and innovate, adding that its programmes are designed to equip participants with skills relevant to a rapidly evolving global economy.
“Through educational advising, entrepreneurship training, and digital literacy programmes, American Spaces equip Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed,” the ambassador said.
Mills also highlighted the symbolic significance of the artwork featured in the center, describing the individuals depicted on the mural as representations of hard work, determination, and perseverance—qualities he said are shared by both Americans and Nigerian youth.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the US Embassy’s Country Public Diplomacy Counselor, Mr. Lee McManis, said the renovated facility is part of a wider network of American Spaces across the country.
“We are thrilled to reopen the American Center here at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. This revitalised space joins 29 other American Spaces across Nigeria, serving as vibrant hubs for celebrating U.S. leadership in innovation and learning,” McManis said.
He explained that the center, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, is designed to foster meaningful connections, support lifelong learning, and promote open dialogue between Nigerians and the United States.
“American Spaces are at the heart of our commitment to bridge building. They offer welcoming environments where people can access reliable information, develop new skills, and engage in constructive dialogue,” he added.
The embassy said the reopening of the American Center underscores its commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties and deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the United States through education, innovation, and cultural exchange.