Legal icon Aare Afe Babalola has admonished fellow Nigerians, especially the youth, to maintain high moral standards in whatever they do, saying, “Our problem in Nigeria is majorly about discipline.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and founder ,Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD ) hinted this after he was conferred with the honorary fellowship award by the Nigerian Academy of Education (NAE) .The honour coincided with the 40th anniversary of the academy.
He disclosed that the ABUAD is now financially stable and debt -free .
Babalola said the award had gingered his spirits of giving back to the society and promoting the cause of education and humanity..
The founder said the university is enjoying growing endowment funds, aimed at expanding scholarships and international exchange opportunities.
The founder said his dream from inception, was to establish a world-class Institution where every profit would be reinvested into the system, for development.
He also said he remained attached to the principle of continuing running his university, as a non-profit, but high quality institution .
According to him, the Institution would soon begin to offer scholarships to international students, noting that unlike many institutions struggling with low enrolment, ABUAD continues to be oversubscribed,.
He said the university had also continued to attract students from across Nigeria, and other countries, including China, the United States, Pakistan, among others.
The Elder Statesman appreciated the academy for the fellowship award, dedicating it to the collective effort, discipline and moral uprightness among staff and students.
” When a man is not disciplined, he is automatically a useless person.When a man is not disciplined, he will steal. He will do all sorts of unwholesome things, and above all, he won’t be able to carry out the love of God, whereas, the doctrine of God says love your neighbor like yourself”, he said.
He attributed the NAE honorary fellowship award, among others before it, to grace of God, hard work and spartan self discipline
The authorities and officials of NAE, which consists of a total of 21 Professors, said in their letter of offer to the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), signed by Secretary General, Prof. Elizabeth Okeke that Babalola was found to be most exceptional outstanding among those shortlisted for the honour.
Besides, NAE said the legal luminary was given the fellowship award, as mark of appreciation for his notable contributions and giant strides in the reformation of the educational sector.
According to the academy, Babalola’s recognition would be a clarion call for all who are called to the service of humanity.
The letter reads in part, “On behalf of the President and EXCO of the NAE, it is my pleasure to inform you that on 9th July, 2025, Nigerian Academy of Education gave its approval, after due consideration of your nomination to become an Honorary Fellow of the Academy.
“As you receive the award, you will become a friend of the NAE and receive the Academy Gown and Plaque.
” In addition, you will affix FNAE after your name. NAE may invite you to some of her activities and expect you to attend whenever you can and support morally and financially.
“No doubt, your recognition and award will be a clarion call for all who are called to the service of humanity. Congratulations, for being recognised for your works for humanity and the dignity that education confers on a citizen”.
Recall that he had earlier been honoured as first African to be conferred with honorary Doctor of Law at University of London, and honorary fellowship award by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN), for his passion for healthcare development in Nigeria.
Also on the list are: honorary Doctoral Degree of Nigeria Defence Academy, NDA, Kaduna, and honorary fellowship award by the West African College of Nursing (WACN), for his contributions to quality education, among others.