Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Afe Babalola, has reiterated his unwavering resolve to continue deploying his personal resources towards improving the quality of education in Nigeria.
The elder statesman and legal luminary stressed that only through a deliberate commitment to quality and accessible education can Nigeria attain sustainable greatness and prosperity across all sectors.
Babalola made these remarks at ABUAD following his decoration as the Icon Man of the Year 2026 by Triangle News International Magazine.
The award ceremony was held last week in London, where he was represented by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Smaranda Olarinde.
Speaking after receiving the honour through the Vice Chancellor, the ABUAD founder expressed profound appreciation to the organisers for the recognition, describing it as a testament to years of dedication to educational development.
He noted that the establishment of ABUAD was borne out of a clear vision to change the trajectory of education in Nigeria, adding that education must remain a potent tool for driving socio-economic transformation.
“As my personal story clearly shows, education remains the surest passport out of hunger, poverty and despair. It has therefore been my lifelong desire and commitment to provide the same opportunity for transformative education, which Wolsey Hall gave to me and to millions of underprivileged people in Nigeria and across the globe,” the nonagenarian said.
Babalola further highlighted the remarkable progress recorded by the institution since its inception, noting that ABUAD has consistently distinguished itself in both national and global academic rankings.
According to him, “Since its establishment in 2009, ABUAD has grown remarkably in reputation and impact. The university has received several national and international recognitions, including being ranked in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings as 84th in the world, 3rd in Africa, and 1st in Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025.”
He assured stakeholders that the recognition would serve as further motivation to intensify efforts at redefining educational standards in the country, maintaining that the institution’s journey of excellence is far from over.
“I wish to use the occasion of this milestone recognition to assure you that our story of redefining education in Nigeria has only just begun. Nigeria, Africa, and indeed the world will become more peaceful, more prosperous and more progressive when quality and affordable education is made accessible to all,” he stated.
Reaffirming his commitment to national development, Babalola said his aspiration remains to contribute meaningfully to making the Nigerian university system one of the best globally through sustained investment and innovation.
“My personal aspiration and commitment, therefore, is to continue to do all that is humanly possible to make the Nigerian university system one of the very best in the world.
“I am confident that, with determination, together with Nigerians in the Diaspora and God’s grace, we shall get there,” he added.
He, however, dedicated the award to the students and alumni of ABUAD, commending their exploits and achievements which, according to him, have played a pivotal role in positioning the university as one of the leading institutions in Nigeria and across the world.
The CEO of Triangle International Magazine, Olufemi Salako said the organization considered Babalola for the award due to his, ” extraordinary achievements in legal practice, educational innovation, philanthropy, and institution building.”
Salako added that “your unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with your unmatched personal investment in Nigeria’s educational landscape, has transformed you into a symbol of possibility and a model of transformative leadership across Africa.
“Your legacy—embodied most notably in ABUAD, continues to inspire upcoming generations of leaders, scholars, and reformers who now look to you as one of Africa’s most distinguished icons of service, integrity, and nation-building.”
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