ABUAD Celebrates 16 Years of Impact, Innovation

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado-Ekiti

Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), on Monday marked 16 years since the commencement of academic activities, celebrating a journey defined by visionary leadership, institutional discipline and far-reaching contributions to education and healthcare in Nigeria.

The founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, described the establishment of ABUAD as a divinely inspired vision sustained by resilience, innovation and the unwavering commitment of staff and stakeholders.

Speaking at the anniversary ceremony held at the Alfa Belgore Hall, Babalola expressed gratitude to God for the steady growth of the institution and commended all individuals and institutions whose support has helped transform ABUAD into a globally recognised citadel of learning.

The event attracted academic and non-academic staff, students and distinguished guests, opening with songs of praise and thanksgiving, as the university band entertained the audience in a celebratory atmosphere.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, reflected on the university’s modest beginning on January 4, 2010, when it commenced academic activities with 240 students and three pioneer colleges – Law, Social and Management Sciences, and Sciences.

Sixteen years later, she said that  ABUAD has emerged as one of Nigeria’s foremost private universities, currently ranked third nationally and 84th globally, a feat she attributed to the founder’s uncommon foresight and strict adherence to standards.

“I am continually in awe of the power of vision and the relentless commitment of one man – our founder, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN- whose dream, alongside the support of his wife, has redefined private university education in Nigeria,” Olarinde said.

Highlighting ABUAD’s expanding footprint beyond academics, the vice-chancellor disclosed that the ABUAD Multi-System Hospital (AMSH) had, before the end of 2025, successfully carried out its 41st kidney transplant, underscoring the university’s growing role in advanced medical care and life-saving interventions.

The Director of Quality Assurance, Prof. Yekini Lawal, described the founder as a visionary ahead of his time, particularly in anticipating and addressing infrastructural and accommodation needs despite the institution’s rapid growth.

“Sixteen years is long enough for an institution to define its identity. From an operational and strategic standpoint, the founder’s foresight shows a level of clarity many could not imagine years ago,” Lawal said.

He added that the anniversary serves as an opportunity to deepen collaboration with stakeholders, alumni, partner institutions and regulatory agencies to sustain the university’s growth trajectory.

The celebration climaxed with a symbolic countdown and cutting of a giant anniversary cake, marking the beginning of another chapter in ABUAD’s evolving story of excellence, innovation and national service.