VICE-CHANCELLOR’S WELCOME ADDRESS AT THE 16TH ANNIVERSARY OF AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY ADO-EKITI COMMENCEMENT OF ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES HOLDING ON MONDAY, 5TH JANUARY, 2025 AT ALFA BELGORE HALL.

• Protocol:

It is with great delight that I wish you all a very happy, prosperous New Year and welcome you to the 16^th Anniversary Celebration of uninterrupted academic activities of our great citadel of learning.

As I stand here today making it 16 years and one day since the commencement of our academic work, it is worthy of mention that Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) opened its doors to the first set of 240 students on Monday, the 4th of January, 2010 in its three foundational colleges: the Collegeof Law, the College of Social and Management Sciences, and the College of Sciences. 

I am filled with awe at the incredible power of vision and the relentless commitment of one man, our Founder, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, FCI.Arb, FNAILS, LL.D.hc, London, LL.D.hc, Unilag, LL.D.hc, Unijos, LL.D.hc, UNAd, D.Litt.hc, KSU,(London), FNAE, Chancellor and Proprietor of the number one university in Nigeria, who is ably supported by his beloved wife- Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola, FSM, FNIMN, the Chief Executive Officer of ABUAD Ventures

I shall keep my remarks brief, for indeed, a good product sells itself without strain. To the glory of God, ABUAD’s outstanding achievements speak louder than words ever could. The University has been ranked Number One in Nigeria for four consecutive years (2022–2025), Number Three in Africa, and 84^th globally, according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. ABUAD is, without doubt, a star among a galaxy of institutions- dazzling, distinct and distinguished.

Our Founder firmly believes that true quality and meaningful transformation cannot be achieved by following conventional paths. Rather, they demand a commitment to excellence and the courage to adopt uncommon approaches and the foresight to pursue an unshaken vision. This philosophy has yielded remarkable results, evident in the exceptional quality of graduates we produce; individuals distinguished not only by academic competence but also by integrity, character, diligence, and a strong work ethic.

Take a moment to reflect on the vast expanse of this University, from its departments and colleges to its directorates, residential complexes, and diverse academic programmes, spanning undergraduate, postgraduate, open and distance learning, and part-time studies. Consider the thousands of graduates we produce annually and the profound impact they are making across the globe.

Before the close of 2025, the ABUAD Multi-System Hospital (AMSH) successfully recorded its 41^st kidneytransplant, further cementing its life-changing contributions to healthcare and restoring countless patients to productive and healthy lives.

We also celebrate other landmark achievements, including international collaborations with institutions in China India, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Brazil, Ghana, Morocco, and South Africa, which are already yielding results, as evidenced by the positive impact on students, staff, research and innovative engagement.

More so, efforts are ongoing to reposition the ABUAD Industrial Park as a world-class innovation hub, comparable to Silicon Valley and Shanghai’s Industrial Park, by empowering Small and Medium Scale Enterprises to drive the full agricultural value chain—from organic production to advanced processing.

As we reflect on these accomplishments, one undeniable truth becomes evident: it all began with the bold vision of one man who was courageous enough to dream intimidating dreams and tenacious enough to turn them into reality. This is not the work of artificial intelligence nor merely a product of today’s digital revolution. It is the triumph of humanintelligence, emotion, anda bold conviction, embodied in one extraordinary man: Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola; a living legend, an exceptional patriot, profoundly great yet remarkably humble and humane.

It is indeed a profound honour to be part of this extraordinary journey, especially in my capacity as the Vice-Chancellor of the leading university in Nigeria and number 84 globally. I heartily congratulate our beloved Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola; Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola, FSM, FNIMN; the University Management; our distinguished scholars and the entire staff and students of ABUAD on this remarkable 16^th Anniversary.

In the same way that fine wine is perfected by time, we rejoice today with bold assurance that the future holds even much greater accomplishments, having resolved never to rest on the glories of the past.

Happy 16^th Anniversary Celebration, and may Almighty God continue to bless Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, and all of us abundantly.