During the 11th Convocation Ceremony of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola, the institution’s founder, called on the Federal Government not to compromise anything that could hinder universities from providing the necessary mentoring in learning and character development.
Babalola stressed the importance of residential education, where all students are on campus, as opposed to the current situation where over 80% of students, particularly in public universities, live off-campus. He argued that students who live off-campus may miss out on the valuable mentoring in learning and character.
He also urged the government to revisit the large number of private universities it has approved in recent years and ensure they adhere to the rules.
The convocation saw Aransiola Grace Oluwadunsi, a student from the Agricultural Science Department, graduate with First Class honors and emerge as the Overall Best Graduating Student among the 1,668 students, including 1,459 Bachelor’s and 209 Postgraduate students.
During the ceremony, three distinguished individuals received honorary degrees: the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (Doctor of Law), former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and businesswoman Mrs. Victoria Samson (Doctor of Letters).
Babalola encouraged the graduates to remember the importance of hard work, determination, discipline, and integrity as they step into the world.
He also advocated for a new people’s constitution that would de-emphasize politics as the sole lucrative business in Nigeria, emphasizing that politics should be seen as a service to the people.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, praised the graduates and urged them to become solution providers for the many challenges facing Nigeria and humanity. He also commended Afe Babalola for his dedication to education and the remarkable success of his dream, stating that Afe Babalola University has established itself as one of the best in Nigeria and beyond.