The President & Founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN,  has been honoured with the medal of the “International Socrates Award” made of precious metals with a Socrates image in profile covered with pure gold and encrusted with Swarowski crystals, at the just concluded Oxford Summit of Leaders, held in Oxford, UK, from October 12-15, 2014.

He also received an inscription on a medallion “Primus Inter Pares”. The medallion was attached to the medal atlas ribbon. The awards, received on his behalf by the Provost, College of Law, Barr. Smaranda Olarinde and Dr A.O. Ajetunmobi, consisted of the order symbol, a statue and the diploma “Grawerton”.

ABUAD was also basked in shine as a 21st Century leader in higher education with the “Best University” insignia for leading position in educational sphere.

The Summit is an annual international event that provides an interactive platform for international cooperation. Since 2000, the Summit has been held in the hearts of the world scientific community. During these years, the Summit has been attended by more than 6000 delegates from 56 countries. This year Summit was attended by more than 100 participants including members of parliament, representatives of ministries, scientists, city managers, business organisations and higher educational institutions from thirty countries were accredited at the event.

The Summit flagged off  October 13, 2014 with a welcome address by Europe Business Assembly Director General, Professor John Netting. The keynote speech, “The Brain of the Future: The Changing Impact of the 21st Century University, The Role of the 21st Century University,” was delivered by Baroness Susan Greenfield CBE, Professor of Pharmacology at Oxford University, a Neuroscientist, Writer, Broadcaster, Member of the House of Lords, UK.

During the morning Plenary Session, moderated by Professor John Netting, participants discussed the issues relating to new opportunities and innovations in education while Olarinde delivered a paper entitled, “Prospects of Higher Education in the 21st Century: The Success story of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Nigeria.”

The paper touched on the formation of the 21st Century education, including its characteristics; a few biographical details of Aare Afe Babalola, SAN; an overview of ABUAD, as a non-profit leading Federal Government licensed private University; and the role of modern education for the 21st century. A printed copy of the speech was distributed to the participants at the Summit as a single reference work.

The Second of Day of the Summit, 14 October 2014, began at 10.00 am with Matchmaking Session for networking, and to connect participants with international business partners and investors. The highlight of the Summit for the day was the ‘Socrates Award Ceremony’ in the Main Hall of the Oxford Town Hall. The outstanding representatives of various educational establishments, including Aare Afe Babalola as mentioned above, were given prestigious awards of high professional achievement in their fields of activity. A festive Gala Dinner in honour of the guests of the summit was held afterwards.

The last day of the Summit, 15 October 2014, climaxed in a tour, by all participants, of Royal Windsor Palace—a breathtaking residence of the British monarchy for over 900 years.