Education Is the Reason I’m Still Alive- Aare Afe Babalola Declares at ABUAD’s 10th Nursing Induction Ceremony

The Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, has credited education as the vital force behind his longevity, declaring it “the reason I’m still alive.”

The nonagenarian legal icon made this poignant remark on Thursday during the 10th Induction Ceremony of graduating nursing students at ABUAD. Addressing the gathering, Babalola described education as the universal solution to societal challenges, ranging from poverty to unemployment.

“The main reason why I invested in education is that education is the answer to all problems:  from unemployment to poverty, …” he said. “But for education, I would have died long ago.”

Speaking with his usual characteristic conviction, the university founder charged the newly inducted nurses to become shining examples of excellence and professionalism, grounded in the values of character and discipline.

“You must be outstanding nurses. If you recite the Nursing Anthem, as well as the ABUAD Anthem, you’ll see the emphasis on character and discipline,” he said. “In my hospital, we emphasise both. The future is bright for those who embrace character, hard work, and faith because faith never fails.”

Babalola also expressed concern over Nigeria’s worsening socioeconomic conditions, which he said are fueling the mass migration of healthcare workers abroad, a trend he considers troubling, though understandable.

“We have trained over 1,000 nurses in this university, but we don’t have up to 15 of them in the country. Even at my hospital, where we pay higher wages, they still leave. I don’t blame them; it’s due to the situation in the country,” he lamented.

In her welcome address, ABUAD Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb, FCAI, echoed the theme of the event: “Building Competence, Embracing Global Relevance, and Developing Quality Care: The Modern Nurse’s Mandate”, urging the graduates to distinguish themselves in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

“In a world plagued by complex health challenges, climate shocks, and pandemics, the role of the nurse has become more indispensable than ever,” she stated. “You must be kind to your patients. Love them. Share in their pains. Comfort them. Let them feel that they can still make it. Give them that hope,” she added, quoting the timeless counsel of the Chancellor.

In her remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing Science, Prof. Elisabeth Ojo, encouraged the inductees to emulate the tireless work ethic and vision of Aare Afe Babalola. She reminded them of their responsibility not only to themselves but to the institution and their families. “You must not disappoint ABUAD and your parents,” she said. “Let the example of Aare Babalola’s commitment to excellence inspire you as you embark on this noble journey.”

Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Adekemi Olowookere, from the Department of Nursing Science at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, emphasized the necessity of continuous professional development. She urged the inductees to cultivate a culture of lifelong learning to remain competent and globally competitive.Speaking on the event’s theme, Olowookere also called on the government to address the acute shortage of healthcare personnel, especially qualified nurses, which she noted contributes to burnout and declining morale within the sector.

Representing the graduating class, the Best Graduating Student, Aghasili Vivian Chidinma, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the university leadership, parents, and guardians.“We carry your love into every hospital ward we enter and into every life that we touch,” she said.

Of the 113 nurses inducted, six received special recognition for outstanding performance in character and learning, each receiving cash award from the chancellor, totalling one million naira in acknowledgment of their excellence.

The event was graced by dignitaries from across the healthcare, education and government sectors, including the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan, who was represented by the Council’s Secretary-General, Mrs. Adekemi Awe.

Photos Speak: