‘I’m Fulfilled Establishing a World-Class University in Nigeria’ — Afe Babalola

Legal icon and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, has declared that he has realized his lifelong dream of establishing a world-class university in Nigeria.

Babalola made the remarks while addressing journalists during the 16th anniversary of ABUAD’s academic activities, highlighting the institution’s remarkable growth, global recognition, and academic excellence over the past 16 years.

Recalling ABUAD’s beginnings, he said the university started on January 4, 2010, with just 240 pioneer students, and has since grown into a globally competitive institution that surpasses many older universities, becoming a benchmark for quality and functional education in Nigeria and beyond.

Babalola cited the university’s achievements, including its consistent ranking among the world’s top universities. According to him, ABUAD has been listed in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings among the top 100 globally and was recognized as Nigeria’s number one university in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

He emphasized that age is no barrier to success, noting he founded ABUAD at around 80 years old. The university has become a leader in disciplines such as Law, Medicine, and Engineering, firmly establishing itself as a global brand in higher education.

Expressing gratitude to God for guidance and sustaining grace, Babalola described the university’s journey as marked by faith, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to quality education. He also commended the university’s management and staff, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, for realizing his vision.

However, he cautioned against complacency, stressing that sustaining success requires even greater effort than achieving it. He urged staff to remain disciplined and focused, emphasizing that maintaining ABUAD’s high standards is a collective responsibility.

In her remarks, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde described the 16-year journey as a testament to visionary leadership, discipline, and commitment to excellence, noting that ABUAD’s steady rise in national and global rankings reflects deliberate policies, strict adherence to standards, and continuous investment in infrastructure, teaching, and research.

Opinion Nigeria News