ABUAD, DUT Strengthen Academic Ties through Public Lecture to Shape Africa’s Future

• DR Congo’s largest river alone has potentials of supplying energy to the entire continent- Prof. Fulufhelo

Imagine a room buzzing with intellectual energy, a transcontinental handshake, and a bold vision to elevate Africa to global prominence. This was the atmosphere as Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), opened its doors on March 17, 2025, for a public lecture themed: “The Future Africa Should Claim in Global Affairs.”

More than just a lecture, this event underscored ABUAD’s commitment to research, sustainable development, and transformative partnerships to benefit Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.

Organized in collaboration with Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa, the lecture brought together individuals including a 15-member delegation from DUT, poised to forge a groundbreaking academic alliance for Africa’s advancement.

In her welcome address, ABUAD’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb, FCAI, emphasized that the lecture transcended traditional academic engagements, serving as a strategic platform to strengthen Africa’s global standing. She commended the visionary leadership of Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, SAN, OFR, CON, and the support of his wife, Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola, FSM, FNIMN, FFPA.

Professor Olarinde highlighted the enduring relationship between ABUAD and DUT, which began with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 31st of August, 2021.

“This initiative sponsored 23 ABUAD staff members to pursue postgraduate studies at DUT, and I am pleased to share that six of them are on track to complete their programs this year,” she announced.

Looking ahead, she called for expanded collaboration, including joint publications, research fundings, and interdisciplinary programs.

According to ABUAD/DUT MoU Liaison Coordinator, Professor Emem Anwana, the significance of DUT’s delegation visit re-emphasizes ABUAD’s readiness to deepen its thriving partnership with DUT.

“This MoU began informally, much like how Aare Afe Babalola often describes ABUAD’s inception as a dream. Yet today, just four years later, we present its beneficiaries, who are a source of pride for both DUT and ABUAD,” she remarked.

She further revealed that seven postgraduate students, including four pursuing master’s degrees and three doctoral candidates, all products of the MoU, will be graduating this year.

Speaking on behalf of the student beneficiaries, ABUAD’s Research and Development Officer, Mr. Abraham Adeniran, expressed profound gratitude to Chancellor Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola and DUT’s leadership, emphasizing the program’s impact in enhancing their research and publication skills. He detailed how their academic journey has led to the presentation of their work at various conferences and seminars.

Additional, presentations on internationalization and collaborative research were delivered by representatives from both institutions, including insights from Dr. Larsen Samuels, Director of Research at DUT, and the Dean of Health Sciences.

Representing the State Governor, Ekiti State Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, warmly welcomed the DUT delegation and lauded the Chancellor for his enduring contributions to education in Ekiti State.

In his address, ABUAD’s Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, SAN, OFR, CON, asserted that Africa can reclaim its rightful place in global affairs only through quality education.

The nonagenarian and legal icon noted that civilization did not originate in Europe or America but in Africa, questioning how the continent lost its standing and prestige and became underdeveloped.

“Neither Europe nor America is superior to Africa,” he affirmed.

He attributed his change in perspective regarding European superiority to education, stating, “As a young man, I believed Europe was superior to Africa. However, through education, I realized that we can reclaim our rightful place in the world.”

Earlier, DUT’s Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Fulufhelo Netswera, emphasized the need for Africa to lead on the global stage.

In his lecture, titled “The Future Africa Should Claim in Global Affairs,” he stressed that Africa must take charge of its development, referring to the continent’s vast natural and human resources.

“The Democratic Republic of Congo’s largest river alone has the potential to supply energy to the entire continent,” he asserted.

The Guest Lecturer expressed disappointment that African leaders still seek aid from the West despite the continent possessing over 60% of the world’s arable land.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of an Award Letter to the Chancellor, with an official award ceremony scheduled for September 2025, at DUT, South Africa. Presenting the letter, Professor Netswera announced plans to honour Aare Afe Babalola with an honorary Doctorate in Business or Law, stating, “after a tedious search, we have found the most deserving candidate in Aare Afe Babalola.”

ABUAD’s Performing Arts students energized the atmosphere with electrifying theatrical performances before both institutions exchanged gifts.

Prior to the event switching into syndicate sessions, the university’s Registrar, Lady Christie Oluborode, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks to the Guest Speaker for using the occasion to reaffirm the urgency for Africa to reclaim its place on the global stage.

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