- January 5, 2026
- Posted by: itmanager
- Category: Culture, Latest News
The Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, has reaffirmed that his vision of establishing a world-class university in Nigeria has been fully realised, while calling on the university community to pursue even higher standards of excellence in the years ahead.
Speaking at the 16th anniversary celebration marking the commencement of uninterrupted academic activities, the elder statesman expressed profound gratitude to God and to all stakeholders for their unwavering support in driving the institution’s remarkable growth. He described ABUAD’s journey since its establishment in January 2010 as nothing short of extraordinary, despite the early challenges encountered along the way.
“God established ABUAD, and the growth has been marvellous. In fact, no university established in our time is close to where we are today,” Aare Babalola said.
He recalled that the university began with 240 pioneer students across three colleges but has since evolved into a globally recognised institution, setting benchmarks in academic quality, discipline, infrastructure, and innovation.
Calling for renewed commitment in 2026 and beyond, Aare Babalola urged staff and students to remain diligent, dutiful, and focused. He emphasised that excellence naturally attracts recognition and respect, noting that sustained quality performance would continue to draw national and global commendations to the university.
“If you are good, you attract more commendations, laurels, and encomiums. Continue the way you are doing; you are doing well. Just keep doing what you are doing,” he admonished.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb, FCAI, in her welcome address, described the institution’s 16-year journey as a testament to visionary leadership, discipline, and tireless commitment to excellence.
She noted that the university’s steady rise in both global and national rankings reflects the Founder’s clear vision and the uncompromising dedication of staff and students to academic integrity, research relevance, and innovation.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, ABUAD’s recognition by reputable global ranking bodies did not occur by chance but resulted from deliberate policies, strict adherence to standards, and continuous investment in infrastructure, teaching, and research.
Reflecting on achievements recorded in 2025, Prof. Olarinde revealed that ABUAD’s state-of-the-art Multi-System Hospital has continued to redefine healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
“Before the close of 2025, the ABUAD Multi-System Hospital (AMSH) successfully recorded its 41st kidney transplant, further cementing its life-changing contributions to healthcare and restoring countless patients to productive and healthy lives,” she said.
ABUAD remains number one in Nigeria for four consecutive years (2022–2025) and placed third in Africa and 84th globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. These achievements are widely regarded as a validation of the Founder’s philosophy of pursuing excellence through disciplined and unconventional approaches.
ABUAD’s Heads of Colleges, Directorates, and Units, in their goodwill messages at the event, spoke reassuringly in unison, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to excellence in alignment with the Chancellor’s vision for sustainable growth and the continuous advancement of the University
In her closing remarks, the Registrar, Lady Christie Oluborode, expressed profound appreciation to the Founder and University Management for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. She called on all stakeholders to deepen their support to sustain the current momentum and make ABUAD even greater in the years ahead.
Meanwhile, the well-attended event, widely acknowledged as the best so far, featured songs of praise and thanksgiving to God, complemented by flawless musical renditions led by talented members of the ABUAD Band.