…awards honorary degrees to Fagbemi, two others
The Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) on Monday produced 226 first-class students and graduated 1,662 consisting of 1,485 Bachelor’s degree and 177 postgraduate graduands, during its 12th convocation ceremony.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Smaranda Olarinde made this known in her address.
Professor Olarinde boasted that the University was able to record the land breaking achievements despite the economic challenges facing the nation.
Meanwhile, she called on the federal government to implement economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the naira, in order for Nigerians to have access to quality and functional education.
According to her, economic reforms will not only stabilize the currency but also ease the financial pressure on Nigerian households and educational institutions.
Her words, “The Nigerian economy has faced significant challenges in recent years, and the impact of the naira’s devaluation cannot be overstated.
“The exchange rate has plummeted, with $1 now exchanging for N1,700, €1 for N1,770, and £1 for over N2,100.
“This economic downturn has caused a sharp rise in the cost of living, making it difficult for families to afford education and for institutions to sustain their operations.
“At ABUAD, we are acutely aware of the financial burden this places on our students and their families. While we strive to maintain our standards and provide the best possible education, we call on the government to implement economic reforms that will stabilize the currency and ease the pressure on Nigerian households and educational institutions.”
The founder of the institution, Aare Afe Babalola, urged the graduating students to use the tools provided by the university to become leaders of transformational change.
The institution also conferred honorary degrees on the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Damian Dodo; and Pastor Tunde Bakare, in recognition of their immense contributions to Nigeria and humanity.
In their responses, the honorees, represented by the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, praised Afe Babalola and the university’s management for conferring the honorary degrees on them.
Fagbemi highlighted the profound impact ABUAD has had in developing young minds and equipping them with the skills to navigate and transform the world, adding that it is no surprise the institution is rated the best in Africa.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized by an institution that has been rated No. 1 in Africa and one that competes with the best in the world. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the founder, my mentor, for this recognition of our work and life’s journey.
“One cannot help but marvel at the audacity behind the undertaking of ABUAD. This university is a constant reminder of what is possible in this country when men and women of goodwill insist on settling for nothing but the best. Translating a vision of educational excellence into reality is no small feat.
“Education is the bedrock of societal progress. The impact of a university like this—its commitment to developing young minds and equipping them with the tools to navigate and transform the world—cannot be overstated,” he said.
In his remarks, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described ABUAD as an outstanding university that has excelled in achieving educational excellence.
