It was an award of excellence that showcased hard work and indelible contributions at a glorious presentation ceremony to a man aptly described as an icon and uncommon environment, Aare Afe Babalola, Lawyer, educationist, philanthropist, development strategist and a grass-root man with extra-ordinary courage. Perhaps, Aare’s most striking achievement for which he is being honoured by the History of Education Society of Nigeria was his unprecedented record in University transformatory education which started during his days as the two term Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, and the establishment of a model example which today is a benchmark in Private Universities in Nigeria- the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). The occasion which took place at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo was the highlight of this year’s 4day conference of the History of Education Society of Nigeria. Little wonder therefore, it was all showers of encomium as Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) was inducted into the hall of fame as Fellow of the History of Education Society of Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Reverend Canon Professor Kolawole T. Jaiyeoba who is the Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo eulogized the elder Statesman for his enduring courage, productive leadership and uncommon achievements in the field of education.
In a congratulatory speech, the Association’s Life Patron, and Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative I the United Nations Education Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Professor Michael Omolewa described Aare as a living legend in education and lover of human capacity development whose exemplary contributions in all spheres of life remain a reference point.
Showering encomiums on Aare Afe Babalola, the National President of the History of Education Society of Nigeria, Professor Alice Arinlade Jekayinfa noted that God has His own way of rewarding those who have done their best for humanity and thanked God for preserving Aare’s life with good health so that the prestigious award to Aare Afe Babalola is to appreciate his indelible landmark achievements in all aspects of human endeavour.
Receiving the award on behalf of Aare Afe Babalola at the ceremony, Professor Adekunle Alalade who is the Director of General Studies at ABUAD, profusely thanked everyone for their outpouring of love for Aare. He congratulated the Organizers and the many Scholars who graciously agreed to share their experiences, knowledge, wisdom and vision to nourish us as individuals and strengthen the Education Sector in Nigeria through their presentations. Professor Alalade who spoke on behalf of Aare described the theme of this year’s Conference: Privatization and Development of Education in Nigeria as both and timely in a country like Nigeria which has been trying to better evolve a social system that is lawful, productive and progressive, using education as the most potent vehicle for these positive social changes.
Professor Alalade expressed happiness that the Conference shall be a melting pot for practical, functional and workable suggestions to enhance not just the increased participation of the private sector in the Education industry in Nigeria but that its communiqué shall be useful and usable document to influence and guide policy makers and other stakeholders for a private sector led education delivery that promotes quality in the Country.
Many distinguished Scholars, Captains of industries, State Commissioners and former Federal Minister of Education, Professor (Mrs.) Chinwe Nora Obaji graced the occasion.