Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, has said that the university has emerged as a clear leader in key disciplines such as Law, Medicine and Engineering.
The Senior Advocate Of Nigeria (SAN) disclosed this during the 16th anniversary of the commencement of academic activities at the university.
The founder recalled with nostalgia that the university, which commenced academic activities on January 4, 2010 with just 240 pioneer students, has grown into a globally competitive institution.
He declared that ABUAD had surpassed many older institutions stressing that his lifelong vision of establishing and nurturing a world-class university has been fulfilled.
The legal icon noted that the university has consistently ranked among the best universities globally, referencing its placement by Times Higher Education Impact Rankings among the top 100 universities in the world and its recognition as the number one university in Nigeria in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
He added that the feat confirmed that age is no barrier to success, noting that he founded the university at about 80 years old.
He,however expressed gratitude to God for divine guidance and sustaining grace since the inception of the institution, describing the journey as one marked by faith, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to quality and functional education.
He also commended the management and staff of the institution, under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, for translating his vision into a flourishing academic reality admired both within and outside Nigeria.
The elder statesman cautioned against complacency, stressing that sustaining success requires even more effort than attaining it.
He urged academic and non-academic staff to remain disciplined, committed and focus, emphasizing that maintaining the university’s high standards should be the collective responsibility of all stakeholders.
ABUAD Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, described the institution’s 16-year journey as a testament to visionary leadership, discipline and unwavering commitment to excellence.
She said that the university’s steady rise in global and national rankings reflected the clear vision of the Founder and the uncompromising dedication of staff and students to academic integrity, research relevance and innovation.
The VC noted that ABUAD’s recognition by reputable global ranking bodies did not come by chance but was the product of deliberate policies, strict adherence to standards and continuous investment in infrastructure, teaching and research.