…. Lauds ABUAD Founder on Nation building
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa has declared that the founder of Afe Babalola University, ABUAD, Ado-Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola has established a global role model institution for the upliftment of education standard across the world.
The Minister described ABUAD as “the beacon of hope and model ” for Private University education in Nigeria and Africa at large.
Alausa added that ABUAD is a well established world-class institution in Nigeria which is worth of celebration. He also stressed that the institution was premised on integrity, discipline, innovation and service.
The Minister stated this in Ado-Ekiti during the grand finale of the 13th unbroken convocation ceremonies of the University for the 2024/2025 graduating Students.
Alausa, represented by Olukayode Adebowale explained that the University’s consistent record of unbroken academic sessions, quality teaching and global partnerships, reflects a disciplined system that aligns with the national vision for a revitalized education sector.
He noted that the Institution’s rise to global recognition is highly commendable, especially with the remarkable milestone achieved in 16 years through academics excellence, infrastructure development, research and community service.
The Minister 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 revitalized education sector.
“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”.
In his remarks, Aare Afe Babalola urged the graduating students to keep the flag of their superlative achievements flying, while also charging them to continue to be good ambassadors of the University.
Earlier,the Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Professor Smaranda Olarinde announced that 229 students have graduated with First Class Honours, 625 Second Class Upper, 262 Second Class Lower and 33 Third Class degree holders, out of the 1,841 total graduating students across various departments.
Professor Smaranda mentioned the breakdown of the first class students to include 52 from College of Engineering, 58 from Law, 33 Medical and Health Sciences (MHS), 37 from Sciences, 35 from Social and Management Sciences (SMS), 1 from Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and 13 from Part Time.
The VC also disclosed the graduation of the pioneer set of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree holders, with 25 students earning distinctions.
Another highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D, honoris causa) on former Chairman of Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN over his contributions to the legal profession.
Other two recipients include: the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa with Doctor of Letters (D.Litt, honoris causa) and a Business Mogul, Rosemary Mku-Atu with Doctor of Letters (D.Litt, honoris causa).
The Sunset Global concept awarded a cash prize on the best graduating student,Iradat Sanya for her best performance in academic.