Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti has again been described as the manifestation of a lofty and uncommon dream established by an uncommon man with uncommon favour in an uncommon environmentwidely acclaimed as the “Apostle of Impossibility made possible” Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, CON. Though he hailed from a humble beginning but through hard work today he has become a Nationalist andselfless patriot with stupendous wealth and credible image all ploughed back for the use of mankind.
The encomium was showered on him by parents and guardians of prospective candidates who came for the 2nd Post UTME at the University premisesInstitution adjudged to be the fastest growing private University in Nigeria known and called Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD).
Some parents interviewed after inspecting the ultra-modern buildings and facilities which were neatly arranged on 130 hectares of pristine land on the outskirt of Ado, the Ekiti State capital expressed happiness that all the structures seen in the Institution’s website were, indeed realABUAD, according to the parents who had earlierinspected the auditorium, lecture theatres and classes concluded that the University is world-class-standard, in an unmatched serene environment, absolutely conducive hence capable of offering better learning experience, stability, good study and exchange of ideas within the community and other parts of the globe. They gave kudos to him for giving back copiously to the society, a legendary legacy of qualitative and transformatory University education to mankind.
They were amazed that complementing the beauty of the physical structures were top grade infrastructural facilities and equipment that cannot play second fiddle to those in any leading citadels of learning worldwide. The parents particularly commended the Founder for providing E-learning platform, electronic boards, virtual library and ICT centres, all connected to the Internet while all lecture rooms and laboratories were fully air-conditioned.
While addressing parents at the Central Cafeteria of the University, Aare AfeBabalola reiterated his mission in providing a world class education using a state of the art facility under the supervision of experienced, resourceful, highly professional and empathetic lecturers who are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and innovative. Such staff qualities according to the Founder will unlock the immense creativity embedded within each student and present them with opportunity to develop and flourish to a level beyond the reach of conventional education.
Aare AfeBabalola therefore called on parents and guardians to devote more time to nurturing their children so as to cope with vagaries of life. He announced that hisemphasis, is on academic excellence and good character which will foster compassion, respect, responsibility and integrity. He disclosed that while providing a balanced andcomprehensive programme that will make our students realise their full potentials no effort will be spared in making the student grow to become global citizens playing leadership roles in future. Aare Afe Babalola appealed to the parents that they should assist in monitoring and mentoring their children thereby refraining from bad gangs that will truncate their ambitions.
In a question and answer session, the Founder, described education as a serious business which the Federal Government cannot fund alone hence it behoves on citizens to support the growth of education, if Nigeria will achieve her full potentials. He urged stakeholders to emulate America and other developed nations where 80% of all their Universities are private. He reminded them that the best ten Universities in the World, today, are owned by proprietorswho had good vision, progressive mission and dreams that becomes reality.
Aare Afe Babalola therefore called on those who are endowed financially by God to establish more qualitative Universities. He also urged the Federal Government to encourage the missionaries to do more for education.
On the fallen standard of education, Aare Afe Babalola opined that the standard has not fallen but the quality did not measure to standard. He said there is a wide difference between quality and standard, adding that the standard is there but the government has to put in place the machinery for adequate monitoring of Universities course contents and qualities of the lecturers. He explained that ABUAD is the only private University that is registered as a non-profit institution.
On freedom of worship in the University, he disclosed that all religious organisations were broadly categorised as Christian and Muslimsand operated freely and in harmony. He warned that ABUAD will not tolerate religious fanaticism.
Answering a question on Counselling in Education theFounder; told parents that ABUAD has Counsellors, that guide students in their choice of careers and at every stage of their lives particularly those who have criminal propensities and other acts of indiscipline.
Responding, a parent, Prof. Olu Aboluwoye of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko in Ondo State thanked the Founder, Aare Afe Babalola for finding time out of his very busy schedule, to interact with them. He urged him, not to rest on his oars in his efforts to transform University education in the country.
Another parent, Honourable (Dr) Taiwo from the Kogi State House of Assembly also expressed gratitude to the Founder for his vision and humility. He prayed that God will grant Aare Afe Babalola with good health and long-life.
The post UTME exercise ended at about 2 in the afternoon on a hearty note with parents and the Founder exchanging pleasantries.