The President of King’s College, UK, Professor Shitij Kapur, expressed deep admiration for the outstanding achievements of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) within just a decade of its establishment. He marveled at the institution’s tremendous growth, which far surpassed what King’s College accomplished over centuries since its founding in 1829.
During a special event to mark the launching of the Afe Babalola Centre for Transnational Education at King’s College London, Professor Kapur led a ten-member delegation from the United Kingdom’s premier institution. He hailed ABUAD’s remarkable student population of over 8000 within a relatively short span, a feat that took King’s College more than a century to achieve.
In addition to the remarkable student growth, Professor Kapur was also astounded by the ABUAD Multi-System Hospital, which has been providing quality and affordable healthcare services to people worldwide. This feat demonstrated the institution’s commitment to not only academic excellence but also to the betterment of society.
During his address, Professor Kapur highlighted the main purpose of their visit: to learn from the vision and ambition of ABUAD’s founder, Aare Afe Babalola. He praised Afe Babalola’s uncommon zeal and dedication to the development of education, not just within Nigeria but also across the African continent. Professor Kapur believed that Afe Babalola’s visionary approach deserved continuous recognition and celebration, as it has contributed immensely to the upliftment of humanity.
The launching of the Aare Afe Babalola Centre for Transnational Education at King’s College London is expected to create opportunities for the brightest but disadvantaged students in Africa to access quality education. This initiative will foster transnational partnerships between ABUAD and other universities worldwide, allowing ABUAD students to access educational resources and opportunities from prestigious institutions around the globe.
Afe Babalola, the visionary founder of ABUAD, expressed his satisfaction with the establishment of the Transnational Education Centre. To him, this achievement symbolises hope for underprivileged individuals, who will now have access to education and brighter prospects for their future. As someone who overcame poverty through education, Afe Babalola is committed to replicating this opportunity for others.
He shared his concern about the state of education in Nigeria and the African continent, which drove him to establish ABUAD as an exemplary institution. The high standards and exceptional achievements of ABUAD attracted the attention of King’s College, leading to the establishment of the Centre for underprivileged individuals in Nigeria and across Africa.
This collaboration between ABUAD and King’s College marks a significant step towards expanding educational access and empowering the next generation of leaders. Both institutions are committed to fostering a brighter future for the continent, where education and knowledge will pave the way for progress and development.
