Founder of Afe
Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, who
spoke at an event to honour an alumnus
of the school, Mr. Popoola
Olumide, who won an international laurel at the “Unilever Future Leaders
League,” said, the world was getting more technologically advanced and
only universities that can key into this area would remain relevant.
The legal practitioner said this realisation propelled him to equip
the engineering college of the school with the world’s best teaching
aides.
The legal luminary who disclosed that he has spent about $246m,
(N78.720b) on the institution said he was ready to spend more because of
the positive results coming from “our graduates that are already making
difference in the world”.
Babalola explained that his university was the only institution in
the country that has a “Talent Discovery Directorate,” where students
are made to discover their gifted areas early enough, and get mentored
through the provision of the right type of equipment, until they are
nurtured to stardom.
He informed that the institution has also instituted a “Hall of Fame”
for geniuses and other gifted students, who are either honoured or
rewarded with cash or gift items at the end of every academic exploit.
The founder commended the award-winning student and his predecessors,
saying their outstanding academic accomplishments was proof that his
investment in the education sector was not a misplaced priority.
“Few years ago I sat with few people to discuss how to start a
university that would be a model and bridge the existing gap. Today is
one of the happiest days of my life because my dream of producing
graduates that will make a difference is becoming a reality.”
Other speakers at the event, including the Vice Chancellor, Prof.
Michel Ajisafe, Dean of Engineering Faculty, Prof. Owolabi Esan and
President of the University’s Alumni Association, Miss Tope Sobajo
commended Olamide and his team for doing the institution and the country
proud, urging others to emulate them.
Earlier in his speech, the awardee said he, along with his team from
Babcock and Bishop Ajayi Crowther universities, which he led, first won
the Unilever national contest in Lagos in October 2015, and later went
ahead to win the continental edition in South Africa before winning the
global edition staged in London, United Kingdom.Students from 30
countries participated in the grand finale of the Unilever contest in
London.
0 Comments
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the comment writers alone and does not reflect or represent the views of whatsupblog9ja or any of its employees.