The unparallelled contributions of the Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) in establishing a world class institution which won the Socrates 2011 Best Enterprise Award of European Business Assembly in London in March this year and acknowledged by the National University Commission as benchmark and fastest growing university in Africa has again received glowing tributes.
This time, the appreciation was from the Kogi State University, Anyigba whose Senate and the Governing Council nominated Aare Afe Babalola for an Honourary Doctorate Degree of the University.
A statement from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor of the University stated that the conferment of the Degree which is part of the fourth Convocation Ceremony is scheduled for 20th to 22nd September 2012.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Hassan S. Isah showered praises and encomiums on Aare Afe Babalola for training over 300 lawyers in his Chamber, among whom were about 20 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), which indisputably the largest from any Chamber in the Country.
According to him, Aare Afe Babalola’s publications of well researched books and scholarly journals, both local and foreign, which were regularly consulted, remain indelible on the sands of time. He commended him for being a versatile legal practitioner with over five decades of experience which have unmistakably promoted accountability, fairness to Nigerians irrespective of their status as well as his efforts in the entrenchment of good governance in the Country.
Prof. Isah also paid glowing tributes to Aare’s dogged and patriotic zeal for ensuring that millions of Nigerians have access to sound education. This, he demonstrated by focusing on resource mobilization hence turning the fortunes of the University of Lagos positively during his two term tenure as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council.
He was particularly happy about the establishment of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti which is setting the pace in transformatory education.
Professor Isah said, Aare Afe Babalola deserves this modest honour for his enormous contributions in all facets of life.
It will be recalled that Kogi State University was established by law in November 1999 and commenced academic activities in April 2000. It’s present student population stands at 15,689 and has six faculties.