ABUAD Graduates 1,662 Students, Bemoans Economic Challenges

Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), on Monday, celebrated the graduation of 1,662 students during its 12th convocation ceremony, including 1,485 first-degree recipients and 177 postgraduates. The event also witnessed the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on three distinguished Nigerians: the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); prominent legal practitioner, Damian Dodo (SAN); and the Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare.

Speaking at the occasion, ABUAD’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, highlighted the economic difficulties facing Nigerian universities and called for urgent governmental intervention. She noted that the nation's struggling economy and the continuous devaluation of the naira had severely impacted the operations of tertiary institutions.

"The exchange rate has plummeted. This economic downturn has caused a sharp rise in the cost of living, making it difficult for families to afford education and for institutions to sustain their operations," Olarinde said. She acknowledged the financial burden faced by ABUAD students and their families but reassured them of the university's commitment to maintaining educational standards despite the economic strain. The vice-chancellor also urged the Federal Government to implement reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and easing the pressure on households and educational institutions.

Olarinde further criticized the exclusion of private universities from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and government student loan schemes, citing this as a factor creating unequal access to educational resources. She added, "Excluding private institutions from TETFund projects and student loans is unfair to our students who are denied access to financial assistance provided to their counterparts in public universities."

She also lamented the poor state of infrastructure, particularly the road leading to ABUAD, which she said posed a significant challenge for students and staff. "I use this opportunity once again to appeal to the Federal Government to address the infrastructural deficit in Ekiti State, especially the Ado-Ijan Road and other federal roads," she added.

In his address, ABUAD Founder, Aare Afe Babalola, congratulated the graduating students and urged them to uphold the institution’s values as they step into the wider world. "The whole world looks up to you as graduates of this globally ranked university to be at the forefront of innovative and entrepreneurial solutions to today's complex problems," Babalola said.

The Attorney General, Fagbemi, speaking on behalf of the honorary awardees, expressed gratitude for the recognition and praised ABUAD for its commitment to equipping young minds with the skills needed to transform society. "We are deeply honoured to be recognised by an institution that has been rated as number one in Africa and competes globally," he said, extending his appreciation to Aare Afe Babalola for his mentorship.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in his goodwill message, commended ABUAD's role in the nation's human capital development, noting, "This institution has, in its 15 years of existence, changed the face of education in Nigeria." He lauded Aare Afe Babalola's vision and investment in building the university into a world-class citadel of learning.