Former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has been conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degree by Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to legal practice and national development.
Similarly, the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and renowned business magnate, Mrs. Rosemary Mku-Atu, were each awarded the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) for their exceptional service to humanity and the nation.
The trio received the honorary degrees during the grand finale of ABUAD’s 13th Convocation Ceremony and 16th Founder’s Day Anniversary, held at the university’s campus in Ado-Ekiti.
The event, which celebrated the achievements of the 2024/2025 graduating class, drew dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who was represented by Professor Olukayode Adebowale.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Alausa described ABUAD as “a beacon of hope and a model for private university education in Nigeria and across Africa.” He commended the institution’s founder, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), for his visionary leadership, discipline, and steadfast commitment to academic excellence and nation-building.
According to the minister, ABUAD’s achievements in just 16 years—ranging from global partnerships and consistent academic sessions to groundbreaking research—reflect a disciplined system that aligns with Nigeria’s vision for a revitalised education sector.
“The university’s rise to global recognition is highly remarkable,” he said. “ABUAD has consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and number one in Nigeria in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for four consecutive years. These accolades are a testament to its sustained commitment to academic excellence, the Sustainable Development Goals, and impactful innovation.”
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, announced that a total of 1,841 students graduated across various colleges of the institution. Among them were 229 First Class graduates, 625 Second Class Upper, 262 Second Class Lower, and 33 Third Class degree holders.
She further disclosed that the ceremony also featured the graduation of ABUAD’s pioneer set of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) students, with 25 earning distinctions.
Giving a breakdown of First Class graduates, Prof. Olarinde revealed that 52 students were from the College of Engineering, 58 from Law, 33 from Medical and Health Sciences, 37 from Sciences, 35 from Social and Management Sciences, one from Open and Distance Learning, and 13 from Part-Time programmes.
In his address, the institution’s founder, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), congratulated the graduating students and urged them to uphold the university’s core values of integrity, discipline, and innovation as they step into the wider world.
He charged them to remain worthy ambassadors of ABUAD and to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
Highlighting the institution’s emphasis on merit and excellence, Afe Babalola reiterated ABUAD’s commitment to nurturing “leaders with integrity” who can drive positive transformation in society.
One of the highlights of the convocation was the recognition of Iradat Sanya, who emerged as the overall best graduating student. She received a ₦10 million cash prize from Sunbeth Global Concept for her exceptional academic performance.
The colourful ceremony was attended by members of the university’s Board of Trustees, Governing Council, and Senate, as well as parents, alumni, and guests from within and outside Nigeria, marking yet another milestone in ABUAD’s journey as a trailblazer in private university education.
