On and around are prepositions.
A bird can sit on the ground.
A bird can fly around the yard.
But which preposition should you use with the verb center?
Do you center on something? Or do you center around?
There is much debate on this issue, with strong arguments on both sides, and you will see it used both ways.
However, center on is preferred for formal writing.
Today’s lecture will center on common grammar mistakes.
Many problems in the workplace center on a shortage of respect.
His idea centers on the concept of predictive analysis.
The verb center implies settlement. When you center yourself, you settle down your thoughts and emotions.
As those thoughts and emotions settle, they land in one place. They center on a certain location.
The preposition on implies that ideas or things will be placed in one exact location.
Therefore, if you intend to center ideas or objects, they should be centered on something.
Some say center around makes sense. I believe that there are better verbs to use with the preposition around:
gather around
revolve around
assemble around
congregate around
Although center on and center around are both accepted in everyday speech and writing, center on is better for formal writing.