Adebayo Adenrele
The best graduating student of 2024/2025 sets of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Idayat Sanya, has bagged a whooping sum of N10,000,000 after graduating with the CPGA of 4.98 from the College of Social and Management Sciences.
The prize was presented to Iradat on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti by Abeeb Yekini, the representative of Sunbeth Global Concept during the grand finale of the 13th unbroken convocation ceremonies of the Institution.
Speaking with journalists, Iradat expressed her delight at the founder of the Institution, Aare Afe Babalola for creating an enabling environment for Students in terms of learning.
“I feel happy, I feel grateful, I’m feeling everything, basically. It was definitely very challenging. I mean, success is not easy, it doesn’t come easily. I’ve worked hard, had a lot of sleepless nights and it really wasn’t easy.
“I just want to say a very huge thank you to my support system my friends, my family, my mentors, my lecturers because without them, this wouldn’t have been possible”. She added
This was just after the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa has described Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) as the beacon of hope and model for Private University education in Nigeria and Africa at large.
Alausa noted that Afe Babalola’s commitment to creating a world-class institution in Nigeria is worth emulating, especially with the establishment of ABUAD founded on integrity, discipline, innovation and service.
The Minister, represented by Olukayode Adebowale explained that the University’s consistent record of unbroken academic sessions, quality teaching and global partnerships, reflects a disciplined system that aligns with the national vision for a revitalized education sector.
He noted that the Institution’s rise to global recognition is highly remarkable, especially with the remarkable milestone achieved in 16 years through academics excellence, infrastructure development, research and community service.
His words, “I join the Board of Trustees, the Governing Council, the Senate, the staff and students and the entire ABUAD community to celebrate this momentous occasion, the 16th Founders’ Day Anniversary and the 13th Unbroken Convocation Ceremony of this great institution.
“Allow me to first commend the visionary founder, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, OFR, CON for his unwavering dedication to excellence in education and nation-building.
“Afe Babalola’s commitment to creating a world-class institution in Nigeria (ABUAD) one founded on integrity, discipline, innovation and service continues to serve as a beacon of hope and a model for private tertiary education across the African continent.
“Afe Babalola University has, in just 16 years, achieved remarkable milestones in academic excellence, infrastructure development, research, and community service.
“The university’s consistent record of unbroken academic sessions, quality teaching, and global partnerships reflects a disciplined system that aligns with our national vision for a revitalized education sector.
“The institution’s rise to global recognition is highly remarkable. I am particularly delighted to note its recent ranking by the prestigious Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, where ABUAD was placed among the top 100 universities in the world and number one in Nigeria for four consecutive years.
“There is no doubt that this is truly an extraordinary feat. These accolades are a testament to the institution’s sustained commitment to academic excellence, the Sustainable Development Goals and impactful research and innovation”.
In his remarks, Aare Afe Babalola urged the graduating students to keep the flag of their superlative achievements flying, while also charging them to continue to be good ambassadors of the University.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Smaranda Olarinde announced that 229 students have graduated with First Class Honours, 625 Second Class Upper, 262 Second Class Lower and 33 Third Class degree holders, out of the 1,841 total graduating students across various departments.
Professor Smaranda mentioned the breakdown of the first class students to include 52 from College of Engineering, 58 from Law, 33 f Medical and Health Sciences (MHS), 37 from Sciences, 35 from Social and Management Sciences (SMS), 1 from Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and 13 from Part Time.
The VC also announced the graduation of the pioneer set of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree holders, with 25 students earning distinctions.
Another highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D, honoris causa) on former Chairman of Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN over his contributions to the legal profession.
Other two recipients include: the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa with Doctor of Letters (D.Litt, honoris causa) and a Business Mogul, Rosemary Mku-Atu with Doctor of Letters (D.Litt, honoris causa).
