Follow Us on Google
From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has praised the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, for his unwavering commitment to excellence in education and nation-building.
The minister, who lauded the Senior Advocate for creating a world-class university in Nigeria and ABUAD for recording giant strides since its establishment in 2009, described the 16-year-old ivory tower as a beacon of hope and a model for private university education across the African continent.
According to him, the university’s consistent record of unbroken academic sessions, quality teaching, and global partnerships reflects a disciplined system that aligns with the country’s vision for a revitalised education sector.
Alausa made the remarks in Ado-Ekiti, capital of Ekiti State, during the grand finale of the 13th Unbroken Convocation and the 16th Founders’ Day Anniversary ceremonies of the institution, where he equally expressed delight at the global recognition accorded the young university.
The Minister, who was represented by Prof. Olukayode Adebowale at the ceremony, said, “I join the Board of Trustees, the Governing Council, the Senate, the staff and students and the entire ABUAD community to celebrate this momentous occasion, the 16th Founders’ Day Anniversary and the 13th Unbroken Convocation Ceremony of this great institution.
“Allow me to first commend the visionary founder, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, OFR, CON, for his unwavering dedication to excellence in education and nation-building.
“Afe Babalola’s commitment to creating a world-class institution in Nigeria (ABUAD), one founded on integrity, discipline, innovation and service continues to serve as a beacon of hope and a model for private tertiary education across the African continent.
“Afe Babalola University has, in just 16 years, achieved remarkable milestones in academic excellence, infrastructure development, research, and community service.
“The university’s consistent record of unbroken academic sessions, quality teaching, and global partnerships reflects a disciplined system that aligns with our national vision for a revitalised education sector.
Other News
“The institution’s rise to global recognition is highly remarkable. I am particularly delighted to note its recent ranking by the prestigious Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, where ABUAD was placed among the top 100 universities in the world and number one in Nigeria for four consecutive years.
“There is no doubt that this is truly an extraordinary feat. These accolades are a testament to the institution’s sustained commitment to academic excellence, the Sustainable Development Goals and impactful research and innovation.”
The founder of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, who commended the graduands, charged them to keep pace with their academic performances and they should continue to be good representatives of the university.
Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, the Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, in her remarks, congratulated the graduands and urged them to continue to uphold the teachings and good morals imparted to them. She said the university graduated a total of 1,841 students, with 229 of the number obtaining first-class honours.
The VC also announced the graduation of the pioneer set of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree holders, with 25 students earning distinctions.
At the ceremony, the university conferred honorary degrees on three eminent personalities, including legal icon Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and Benin Princess and Business Mogul Dr. Mrs. Rosemary Osula Mku-Atu, in appreciation of their exceptional contributions to society.
While Chief Wole Olanipekun was decorated with Doctor of Laws (LL.D, Honoris Causa), Hon. Dabiri-Erewa was honoured with Doctor of Letters (D.Litt, Honoris Causa), and Rosemary Osula Mku-Atu also bagged Doctor of Letters (D.Litt, Honoris Causa).
An organisation, Sunbeth Global Concept, awarded a cash prize of N10 million to the best graduating student, Iradat Sanya, for her outstanding performance.
