Text of the Welcome Address by the Vice-Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Professor E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb, FCAI, at the 13th Convocation Lecture of the University, Holden on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Alfa Belgore Hall

• PROTOCOL

INTRODUCTION

On behalf of our Founder, Chancellor, and President, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, LL.D (London), LL.D (UNILAG), LL.D (UI), D.Lit (NDA), FNIALS, FCIArb, FNSE, and his amiable wife, CEO of ABUAD Ventures and Grand Matron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State, Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola, FSM, FNIMN, FFPA, as well as the Board of Trustees (BOT), Governing Council, Senate, Congregation, Staff, Students, and Graduands of Afe Babalola University; it is with profound honour and delight that I warmly welcome you to the 13th Convocation Lecture of our institution.

This annual lecture has become a prestigious platform for critical reflection, robust intellectual engagement of visionary ideas to shape not only the trajectory of our university but also the destiny of our nation.

With gratitude to God Almighty, and to our great Founder, permit me to also proudly state that our university continues to soar in global recognition. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 has ranked ABUAD No. 84 globally, No. 3 on the Continent and No. 1 University in Nigeria, for four consecutive years; 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. These remarkable achievements affirm our Founder’s vision of establishing a world-class university that is innovation-driven, research and solution-oriented; and globally competitive.

THE CONVOCATION SPEAKER

Today, we are highly honoured to welcome a towering figure in Nigeria’s legal and intellectual landscape, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, OFR, SAN, LL.D, D. Lit, FCIArb, FNIaLS, to deliver this year’s Convocation Lecture.

Chief Olanipekun, SAN, whose citation shall be shortly presented to all of us, is a well-rounded personality, a passionate advocate of quality and functional education, and a distinguished university administrator who currently is the Pro Chancellor at his alma mater, the University of Lagos, Akoka (UNILAG).

It is, therefore, most appropriate that such accomplished personality will deliver today’s lecture titled:

“Nigeria – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: The Imperative of a Sober and Definitive Recalibration.”

I am confident that the insights from today’s Convocation Lecture will further stimulate and equip us to drive the transformation of our nation towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, I am confident that you will benefit from the vast reservoir of knowledge and experience of our distinguished Convocation Lecturer.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I urge you all to listen attentively, reflect deeply, and engage meaningfully in conversations that will be raised in today’s lecture.

Once again, on behalf of the entire ABUAD community, I warmly welcome you to Afe Babalola University and to the 13^th Convocation Lecture.

Thank you.