Governor Oyebanji
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has joined the coterie of well-wishers celebrating the 15-year-old Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, on its recent ranking by Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, THEIRS among the best 100 universities in the world.
Rising from its 2025 Ranking meeting in Turkey by midnight of June 18, 2025, the World Ranking Body rated ABUAD as follows:
No. 84 in the world
No. 3 in Africa,
No. 1 in Africa in SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy) with a score of 83.3%
No. 1 in Africa in SDG 13 (Climate Change) with a score of 83.1%
No. 2 in Africa in SDG 1 (No Poverty) with a score of 87.9%
No. 3 in Africa in SDG 17 (Partnership for Goals) with a score of 92.4%
No. 1 in Nigeria in SDG 1 (No Poverty) with a score of 87.9%
No. 1 in Nigeria in SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy) with a score of 83.3%
No. 1 in Nigeria in SDG 13 (Climate Change) with a score of 83.1%
No. 1 in Nigeria in SDG 17 (Partnership for Goals) with a score of 92.4%, and
No. 1 in Nigeria for four consecutive years: 2022, 2023, 2024 and now 2025
Since then, it has been showers of congratulations and encomiums on the young, but wave-making university for this commendable achievement.
In his letter dated June 26, 2025, to the Founder & Chancellor of the University, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, OFR, CON, LL. D (London), Fellow, King’s College, London, Oyebanji said: “Sir, I am so excited to receive the news of the new feat that your soar-away university, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, has attained in the latest university ranking by the Times Higher education Impact Rankings which places ABUAD as No. 84 globally, No. 3 in on the African Continent and No. 1 in Nigeria for four consecutive years: 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025”.
He added: “There is no doubt that ABUAD has been an oasis in the desert and a positive influence in the Higher Education landscape in Nigeria and Africa since its inception in 2009. The university is keeping its vision of being the foremost centre of learning of global reckoning on the African continent.
“I want to therefore congratulate you, the university management and staff on this remarkable achievement. It is my prayer that you continue to blaze the trail in all ramifications”.
Also, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education has congratulated Babalola and the entire academic and non-academic staff of the institution on this world-acclaimed feat and recognition.
Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, expressed unreserved delight that the 15-year-old ABUAD was ranked among the 100th top universities in the world by the highly respected Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, THEIRS
In a statement by the Ministry’s Director, Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the Minister also commended the legal luminary and philanthropist for his unwavering dedication to educational excellence and national development over the years.
His words: “Your achievement is not only a personal triumph but a national milestone. It is inspiring to witness your decade-long dream, once expressed to former Chief Justice Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, become a global reality within your lifetime”.
The Minister also lauded the collective efforts of ABUAD’s academic and non-academic workforce, stressing that: “This global recognition could not have been possible without the dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence by the entire staff of ABUAD.
He added: “You have demonstrated that with the right vision, passion, and professionalism, Nigerian institutions can lead on the world stage.”
The Ministry emphasized that this outstanding global ranking is not merely a cause for celebration, but a renewed call to service both for ABUAD and the broader Nigerian education sector.
“This accomplishment is a catalyst that should propel, inspire, and encourage deeper commitment to quality, functional, and globally competitive education,” Alausa noted.
While reiterating its commitment to supporting forward-thinking institutions like ABUAD, the Ministry affirmed its readiness to collaborate further in promoting educational innovation, research, and sustainable development across Nigeria.
Alausa also extended the warmest regards and best wishes of the Federal Ministry of Education to Aare Afe Babalola and the entire ABUAD community, encouraging them to sustain this excellence and continue blazing the trail in higher education.