Gen Yakubu Gowon (RTD) GCFR

The Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti, (ABUAD) is set to commission the largest fixed dome Planetariums in Africa and one of the largest in the world, built in the University.

The Planetarium which is the first to be built in Africa is equipped with Astronomical observatory.

Other projects to be commissioned also include sophisticated telemedicine equipment donated by Aster DM Health Care of Dubai; ultra-modern post graduate building and hall of residence and state of the art social and management science building.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti over the weekend at the world press conference to herald the Commissioning of the four ultra-modern projects slated for May 21st, the Founder of the University, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) disclosed that  Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed and the Chairman, Aster Group of Dubai, Dr Azard Moopen have been slated to attend the commissioning.

However, the Founder explained that the Tele-medicine equipment which will be the first in Africa would enable partners in Dubai to join ABUAD in performing medical services by proxy.

 He said, “The sophisticated Tele-medicine equipment was donated by our partners, Aster DM Health Healthcare of Dubai to our ultra-modern 400 bed multi system hospital which is the first in Africa.
 “The Tele-medicine equipment will assist our hospital  in the area of Tele consulting, Tele diagnosis and Tele -management. It will enable our partners in Dubai to join us in ABUAD in performing medical services in ABUAD by proxy.”

Speaking on the university’s 18m fix dome Planetarium and multi system hospital, the Founder said the dome and the hospital would be transformed into a tourist attraction for the institution.

 He also disclosed the plan of the Varsity’s  management to start space study.
 “I will transform the Planetarium and the ABUAD multi-system hospital to a tourist centre. We must not go to Canada or Florida to view Planetariums anymore.

“Also, we will start space study as we have added three new curricula to the school curriculum. The bane of Nigerian universities is because they are tied to curriculum drafted over 60 years ago.”