Learning is a Continuum, Says ABUAD Vice-Chancellor at Postgraduate Orientation

The Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Prof. E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb, FCAI, has reaffirmed that learning is a continuum, urging fresh postgraduate students to embrace lifelong learning as they begin their academic journey at the university.

Prof. Olarinde made this declaration on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, while addressing new students during the orientation programme of the College of Postgraduate Studies for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Welcoming the students into ABUAD’s unique academic environment, she charged them to make the best use of the university’s world-class resources and facilities, particularly in research, noting that scholarship should translate into self-empowerment, societal development, and blessings to humanity.

In her words:

“Our Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, has invested so much and is tirelessly investing resources in transforming education in Nigeria through ABUAD. His life has been a blessing and a compass to many. I am a living testament, having worked with him for over three and a half decades.”

Prof. Olarinde also drew attention to ABUAD’s consistent global recognition, citing the institution’s enviable ranking by the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings; 84th globally, 3rd in Africa, and 1st in Nigeria for four consecutive years (2022–2025). She emphasized that such feats are not mere accolades but a call to greater commitment in the university’s unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Using the acronym “5Ds”, she urged the students to be Determined, Diligent, Devoted, Disciplined and continuously Develop success,in order to achieve the much-anticipated in their careers.

Also addressing the gathering, the Deputy Registrar, Mrs. Ebunoluwa Omiyale, representing the Registrar, Lady Christie Oluborode, encouraged students to familiarize themselves with the Postgraduate Student Handbook. She stressed the importance of diligence in course registration, advising students to seek guidance from faculty and staff whenever necessary.

In his reactions, Deputy University Librarian Dr. Fasaye Joseph, representing the University Librarian, the university Librarian, Dr. Roselyn Shuaibu who was ably represented, advised the students to judiciously use all resources readily available in the library to enhance their research work.

“As post graduate students you need more journals to support your research and in ABUAD we have our libraries open with our e-library readily accessible to students on our website www.abuad.edu.ng,” Dr. Fasaye advised.

The Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Abiodun Ojo, challenged students to uphold ABUAD’s standard of excellence by producing theses, dissertations, and publications of international repute with the much-needed societal impact.

“You are ambassadors of this institution. Your comportment, discipline, and scholarly contributions will testify to the quality of your training here,” he emphasised.

The Provost of the College of Law, Prof. Ebenezer Yebisi admonished the students against misconduct such as drug abuse, cultism, inappropriate dressing and immoral relationships with undergraduates.

“In Rome, you behave like the Romans. At ABUAD, your dressing is key including neat and clean shave for male students. We stand firmly against cultism and any form of immoral activity, especially illicit relationships with undergraduate students of the opposite sex, and we have zero tolerance for PG students to be in conflict with our rules and regulations. Please study your student handbook.” he stressed.

The event was also graced by key members of management, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Christopher Aina; the Provost of the College of Engineering, Prof. (Engr.) Moses Onibonoje; and the Director of Quality Assurance, Prof. Yekini Lawal. Postgraduate students from diverse disciplines were in attendance.

Adding practical value to the orientation, Engr. Dr. Ayodeji Salau, an Associate Professor and one of ABUAD’s eight researchers ranked among the world’s top 2% scientists, was cited as a worthy example and also shared practical tips on publishing impactful research

The programme ended with an interactive session where new postgraduate students engaged directly with the university’s management and faculty.