In a recent interview during the 12th convocation ceremony at Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), located in Ado Ekiti, Vice-Chancellor Professor Smaranda Olarinde raised alarm about the deteriorating condition of federal roads in Ekiti State, particularly those connecting to the university.
“Aare Afe Babalola has reached out multiple times to various ministers, including those overseeing works and transport, as well as to the governors of Ekiti State,” Olarinde noted. “He has highlighted the critical need for road repairs. In January 2022, he suggested that ABUAD could utilize its world-class College of Engineering to repair the roads and construct a new bridge, with the expectation that the federal government would reimburse the costs. However, we have yet to receive a response.”
Olarinde took this opportunity to implore the federal government to address the infrastructure challenges in Ekiti, specifically mentioning the Ado-Ijan Road. “Ekiti is currently landlocked, motorway-locked, airport-locked, rail-locked, and power-locked. These limitations significantly hamper our economic growth and development,” she emphasized.
Moreover, the Vice-Chancellor called attention to the ongoing economic hardships facing Nigerians: “The Nigerian economy has encountered substantial difficulties in recent years, and the effects of the naira’s devaluation are hard to ignore. This economic decline has led to a sharp increase in living costs, making education unaffordable for many families and straining institutions like ours.”
She expressed concern about the financial pressures on students and their families: “At ABUAD, we recognize the burden this places on our students. While we are committed to maintaining high educational standards, we urge the government to implement reforms that stabilize the currency and alleviate the financial strain on Nigerian households and educational institutions.”
During the convocation, it was announced that ABUAD graduated 1,662 students, including 226 first-class graduates, with degrees spanning both bachelor’s and postgraduate studies. Founder Aare Afe Babalola encouraged the graduates to leverage the skills and knowledge gained at the university to become transformative leaders.
The ceremony also included the conferral of honorary degrees on notable figures such as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Damian Dodo; and Pastor Tunde Bakare, recognizing their contributions to Nigeria and humanity.
Fagbemi, speaking on behalf of the honorees, expressed gratitude to Babalola and the university administration for the recognition. He remarked on the significant influence ABUAD has had on nurturing young talent, stating, “It’s astonishing to see what ABUAD has accomplished. This university exemplifies the high standards and possibilities within our country, showcasing what can be achieved when dedicated individuals pursue excellence in education.”
Additionally, Ondo State Governor Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa praised ABUAD’s contributions to human capital development in Nigeria. He reflected on the institution’s impact over its 15 years of existence and congratulated the honorary award recipients for their dedication to advancing humanity and the legal profession.
“It’s a joy to be part of this momentous occasion celebrating ABUAD’s 12th convocation and its founder’s day,” Aiyedatiwa stated. He acknowledged the founder’s immense investment in establishing a high-caliber learning environment, emphasizing the critical role of such institutions in providing transformative education.
