ABUAD Maiden Optometry Induction: VC Describes Eyes as Vital Human Sense

The Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Professor E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb, FCAI, has described the human eyes as one of the most vital senses, deserving deliberate care, protection, and nurturing because of their profound impact on human perception and quality of life.

Professor Olarinde made this remark on Thursday, January 22, 2026, during the maiden Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony of ABUAD’s 10 pioneer Doctors of Optometry, comprising; nine females and one male, into the professional register of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN).

Quoting from the Holy Bible, Matthew 6:22–23, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the centrality of vision to human existence, noting that how well individuals nurture their eyes largely determines how effectively they perceive, interpret, and engage with the world around them.

“The eyes play a divine role as vital conduits connecting our organs, emotions, and souls, and they remain one of the most powerful instruments of communication among humans. The Bible tells us that ‘the light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness”,” she stated.

Addressing the newly inducted optometrists, Professor Olarinde admonished them to regard their profession as a sacred responsibility, stressing that their expertise would influence not only individual lives but also productivity, safety, learning outcomes, and national development.

Speaking on behalf of the Founder and Chancellor of ABUAD, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, the Vice-Chancellor charged the inductees to serve as worthy ambassadors of the University, and embrace lifelong learning as a continuous professional obligation.

She also expressed deep appreciation to parents and guardians for their priceless sacrifices and for trusting ABUAD with the education and grooming of their children.

Earlier, before administering the professional oath, the Registrar of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria, Dr. Obinna Awiaka, FNCO, MSc, LLB, described ABUAD as “WGA – Why Go Abroad,” underscoring ABUAD’s global standard of training and academic excellence.

“I heard the phrase ‘excellence is assured’ three times in your school anthem,” he noted. “That speaks volumes about the premium ABUAD places on excellence. I will tell you for free that you are in one of the best learning environments in the world, and you are fully prepared to rule your world.”

Dr. Awiaka further commended the University’s management for its substantial investment in recruiting highly experienced academics, revealing that some of the lecturers training students at ABUAD were among those who taught him over two decades ago. “This means that you are being trained by the best and are as intellectually prepared as anyone in the profession,” he added.

He advised the inductees to prioritize values, professionalism, and ethical conduct in all their endeavours, assuring them that with these foundations, “the sky will only be the starting point.”

Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Dr. Amiesimaka Hannah Iyango described her set as the best in the University’s College of Medicine & Health Sciences, despite their relatively small number.

Amiesimaka expressed gratitude to the University Management under the visionary leadership of the Founder for providing an enabling academic and professional environment that allowed them to thrive.

She encouraged her colleagues to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence, noting that the induction ceremony marked not the end of learning, but a call to even greater professional distinction.

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