Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, has declared that his lifelong vision of establishing and nurturing a world-class university has been fulfilled.
Babalola spoke on Monday during the 16th anniversary of the commencement of academic activities at the university, saying ABUAD has recorded remarkable growth, global recognition, and academic excellence over the last 16 years.
The legal luminary said the university, which commenced academic activities on January 4, 2010, with just 240 pioneer students, has grown into a globally competitive institution that has not only surpassed many older universities but has also become a reference point for quality and functional education in Nigeria and beyond.
Highlighting ABUAD’s achievements, Babalola noted that the university has consistently ranked among the best universities globally, referencing its placement by Times Higher Education Impact Rankings among the top 100 universities in the world and its recognition as the number one university in Nigeria in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
He added that the feat confirmed that age is no barrier to success, noting that he founded the university at about 80 years old.
According to him, ABUAD has emerged as a clear leader in key disciplines such as Law, Medicine, and Engineering, surpassing many older institutions and firmly establishing itself as a global brand in higher education.
He expressed gratitude to God for divine guidance and sustaining grace since the inception of the institution, describing the journey as one marked by faith, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to quality and functional education.
He also commended the management and staff of the institution, under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, for translating his vision into a flourishing academic reality admired both within and outside Nigeria.
The elder statesman cautioned against complacency, stressing that sustaining success requires even more effort than attaining it.
He urged academic and non-academic staff to remain disciplined, committed, and focused, emphasizing that maintaining the university’s high standards should be the collective responsibility of all stakeholders.
ABUAD Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, described the institution’s 16-year journey as a testament to visionary leadership, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
She said that the university’s steady rise in global and national rankings reflected the clear vision of the Founder and the uncompromising dedication of staff and students to academic integrity, research relevance, and innovation.
The VC noted that ABUAD’s recognition by reputable global ranking bodies did not come by chance but was the product of deliberate policies, strict adherence to standards, and continuous investment in infrastructure, teaching, and research.
THE NATION
