- March 18, 2025
- Posted by: itmanager
- Category: ABUAD Business school, Economics, Education, Innovation, Latest News, Tertiary Education, Uncategorized, University
- “Hardship or poverty is the mother of success. It breeds character, character breeds industry, and industry breeds faith, and Faith never fails.” – Aare Afe Babalola
At Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), excellence is not just a goal, it is a way of life. On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the Senate Chambers hummed with celebration as the university’s visionary Founder, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, CON, OFR, SAN, alongside other distinguished university leaders, received prestigious awards for their exemplary commitment to institutional excellence.
Aare Afe Babalola, a revered legal icon, educationist, philanthropist of international repute was conferred with two remarkable accolades by the ABUAD Business School, Ibadan, Postgraduate Students Association (APSA):
📌 Visionary Leadership & Innovation Award – For his pioneering role in shaping the future of ABUAD Business School.
📌 Golden Scepter – Legacy Award for Institutional Excellence – A testament to his tireless dedication to transformative education.
With characteristic wisdom, the Founder seized the moment to inspire all present:
“Too many people settle for less because they fail to dream. The only thing I do is think about what I want to achieve during the day and dream about it at night,” he remarked, emphasizing that success belongs to those who dare to dream and work relentlessly toward their goals.
Aare Babalola also took a light-hearted yet profound moment to acknowledge members of his staff, whom he described as not mere employees but “fans and pioneers of change.”
“I told the 15-member delegation from Durban University of Technology (DUT) last night, that my staff are like Arsenal Football Club fans—dedicated and passionate. Fans are not paid; they are driven by trust and love. That’s why we keep winning!”
Honouring the Pillars of ABUAD’s Success
Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola, FSM, FNIMN, FFPA, was honoured with the Woman of Impact Award in recognition of her dedication and profound influence, which continues to inspire students and faculty at ABUAD Business School. “Your legacy continuously makes a difference in our learning experience and beyond. You are indeed a woman of impact!” the citation read.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor E. Smarandra Olarinde, FCArb, FCAI, received the Grand Leadership Honour for her unwavering dedication and commitment to the advancement of the ABUAD Business School. She expressed gratitude for the Founder’s visionary leadership, which has seamlessly promoted excellence and placed students, staff, and faculty in enviable positions globally.
ABUAD Registrar, Lady Christie Oluborode, bagged the “Student Advocate Award” for her passion and dedication to student support, leaving a lasting impact on their academic and personal growth.
The Recognition Award for Service in Support of Academic Excellence was presented to the Provost of the College of Social & Management Sciences, Professor Christopher Aina, in acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to ABUAD Business School and students’ academic success.
Earlier, the Director of ABUAD Business School, Professor Emmanuel Ayodeji, revealed that the selection process for the 10 awardees was conducted with utmost objectivity and transparency. “An assessment form was issued two months ago to ensure credibility and fairness” Prof. Ayodeji added.
Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Professor Yekini Lawal, the Director of Quality Assurance, who received the Quality Advocate Award for his dedication to academic excellence, expressed appreciation to the organizers for the recognition and pledge to always uphold the values of ABUAD.
Other distinguished awardees included Dr. Peter Alase, Dr. Adebayo Ogundipe, Professor Ademola Azeez, and Professor Adedayo Olutoye, who received the Distinguished Service Award, Recognition Award in Student Support & Partnership, and Award for Outstanding Professional Excellence, respectively.
As applause echoed through the chambers, it became clear that this was more than just an award ceremony but a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and the relentless pursuit for greatness.
FROM THE VC’s DESK