The Vice Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Professor Smaranda Olarinde, has announced that the institution will graduate a total of 1,841 students for the 2025/2026 academic session. The convocation, which marks the university’s 13th edition, is scheduled to take place on October 21, 2025, at the university campus in Ado-Ekiti.
Speaking at a press briefing to herald the convocation ceremonies, Professor Olarinde revealed that out of the graduating students, 229 earned first-class degrees, reflecting ABUAD’s continued commitment to academic excellence and quality education. She also disclosed that the event would feature the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on three distinguished Nigerians who have made outstanding contributions to society in their respective fields.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the recipients of this year’s honorary doctorates include a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); the Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and philanthropist and Benin Princess, Dr. Rosemary Mku-Atu. She noted that their selection represents ABUAD’s tradition of recognising excellence, leadership, and selfless service to humanity.
Olarinde stated that since its maiden convocation in 2013, ABUAD has produced a total of 15,115 graduates, cutting across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She added that the institution’s academic and infrastructural development over the years has positioned it among the leading universities in Africa. “This year, we are graduating an overall total of 1,841 students. Cumulatively, the university has graduated 15,115 students, both at first degree and postgraduate levels,” she said.
However, the Vice Chancellor lamented the deplorable condition of the Ado–Ijan–Ikare Akoko Road, which serves as the major access route to both Afe Babalola University and the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti. She called on the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate the road, describing its condition as unsafe and detrimental to academic and social activities in the area.
“As the privileged VC of this noble citadel of learning, I am proud to reaffirm that we have continued to bring honour, global visibility and pride to Ekiti and to Nigeria at large,” Olarinde said. “We have been ranked Number 84 in the world, Number 3 in Africa, and Number 1 in Nigeria for four consecutive years. However, despite these remarkable achievements, the Ado–Ijan–Ikare Federal Road remains in a deplorable condition.”
She noted that the poor state of the road poses significant risks to lives and property, especially for the thousands of students, parents, and visitors who travel the route regularly. Olarinde urged both state and federal authorities to consider the rehabilitation of the road a matter of urgent national importance.
“The road should be treated as a top priority, considering that ABUAD hosts students from all 36 states of the federation and also has international students,” she said. “The route links Ekiti to the airport, Ondo State, and even the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria’s seat of power. Fixing it would improve accessibility, enhance safety, and boost the socio-economic vitality of the region.”
Reiterating her appeal, the Vice Chancellor stated that the rehabilitation of the Ado–Ijan–Ikare Road would be a worthy tribute to the institution’s founder, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, whose contributions to education and national development have earned him global acclaim. She expressed confidence that addressing the road’s poor condition would also restore dignity to commuters and foster economic progress in the state.
“I humbly appeal to the government across all levels to address these pressing issues with utmost seriousness and speed,” Olarinde said. “Such intervention will not only save lives and restore safety but will also enhance security and economic growth in the area.”
In addition to her comments on infrastructure, Professor Olarinde congratulated the Ekiti State Government on the recent approval granted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport to commence commercial flight operations. She described the development as a major milestone that would open Ekiti State to investment and trade opportunities.
“Now that the airport has finally received this much-awaited NCAA approval, we urge the government to expedite all necessary processes to ensure that full commercial operations commence without delay,” she stated. “This will enable the airport to fulfil its intended purpose as a catalyst for economic growth, investment and sustainable development of Ekiti State.”
The convocation week, according to Olarinde, will feature a series of academic and cultural events, including lectures, exhibitions, and award presentations. She reaffirmed ABUAD’s mission to produce globally competitive graduates while contributing to Nigeria’s development through innovation, research, and quality education.
