Alumni celebrates Afe Babalola ‘inspiring’ life
The alumni of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) has celebrated the life of its founder, Afe Babalola, that “continues to inspire generations.” This was contained in a statement by Dr. Segun Ilugbusi on behalf of Afe Babalola University Alumni Association. The statement reads: “In the annals of Nigerian history, Aare Afe Babalola stands tall as […]
The alumni of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) has celebrated the life of its founder, Afe Babalola, that “continues to inspire generations.”
This was contained in a statement by Dr. Segun Ilugbusi on behalf of Afe Babalola University Alumni Association.
The statement reads: “In the annals of Nigerian history, Aare Afe Babalola stands tall as a colossus of excellence, discipline, and service. Born in 1929 in the serene town of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, his story is one of relentless determination, extraordinary achievement, and unwavering commitment to humanity.
“Today, we, the alumni of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), under the leadership of Segun Illugbusi, celebrate a life that continues to inspire generations.”
It continued: “Aare Afe Babalola’s rise in the legal profession is the epitome of merit and hard work. Called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1963, he not only established Emmanuel Chambers, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious law firms, but also became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1987. His chamber’s reputation for nurturing legal talent remains unmatched, producing over 23 SANs, the highest in the country.
“His legal acumen earned him offers to serve as the Attorney General of Nigeria, but his humility and commitment to principle saw him decline, focusing instead on shaping the profession through advocacy and mentorship.”
On Babalola’s impact in education, lugbusi said: “Education is perhaps Aare Babalola’s most enduring legacy. His tenure as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (2001-2007) was marked by groundbreaking reforms that earned him accolades as the Best Pro-Chancellor in Nigeria for two consecutive years (2005 and 2006). However, his crowning achievement is undoubtedly the establishment of Afe Babalola University in 2009.
“Built on a philosophy of discipline, industry, and service, ABUAD has become a model of educational excellence not just in Nigeria but across Africa. Its state-of-the-art facilities, including a world-class teaching hospital, independent power plant, and the best-equipped engineering college in West Africa, reflect his vision for an institution that rivals global standards.”
On his philanthropic work, the statement said: “Aare Babalola’s philanthropy knows no bounds. From providing scholarships to underprivileged students to empowering farmers through initiatives like the Ekiti Farmers Awards, his contributions have uplifted countless lives. His investment in agriculture, including his large-scale farms and industrial park in Ekiti, underscores his commitment to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.”
The alumni added: “Today, we stand as proud torchbearers of your legacy. Your vision has shaped us into global citizens, equipped to make meaningful contributions to society. On behalf of the Segun Ilugbusi-led alumni association, we pledge to uphold the values you have instilled in us and to carry forward your mission of service and excellence.
“Thank you, Aare Afe Babalola, for your tireless dedication to education, law, and humanity. Your life is a testament to the heights one can achieve with discipline, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good.”