The Vice Chancellor, Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) Professor Smaranda Olarinde has declared that the” institution does not produce mere regular graduates but those who can compete with their contemporaries at top -notch universities in the world .
Speaking at the 15th matriculation ceremony of the institution, Professor Olarinde said ABUAD ‘s vision in the country’s educational sector and in Africa is to transform the entire educational system.
The VC, therefore, urged the matriculating students to take an advantage of the best opportunity to access premium quality education and training in the institution.
Admonishing the 1961 matriculation students, the VC assured Freshers that they had come to the right place to receive quality, impactful education and training for your university degrees and character moulding in your individual pursuit of greatness.
“We literally have hundreds of universities in Nigeria, and thousands in the world. For parents and guardians whose children and wards are here matriculating today, I believe that you will agree that your sacrifice over them will all be worth it when you realize that here at ABUAD your sons and daughters are daily accessing premium quality education and training”
According to her ” ABUAD’s founder has spent, and is still spending to make sure that the quality of education and character molding we offer in ABUAD is at par with what you will get at top-notch universities in the world.
“For instance, by being ranked Number 221 in world, out of over 7,000 qualified universities globally, ABUAD effective came ahead of several universities in Africa, in Asia, and even in Europe and in the United States!And, we are just starting!In few more years, and by the grace of God, we shall be talking of ABUAD being in the top 100 universities globally. We will not rest until we have achieved this goal! “
“To 2023/2024 academic session matriculating studentsWe unapologetically believe that every one of our students is a genius. Every one of you. And that with the right nurturing, the enabling environment, the passionate, expert faculty and staff, with your cooperation, discipline, focus and determination, you all could became genius before you graduate from ABUAD in few years from now.
“As your Vice-Chancellor, my dear students, I am inviting you to walk with us, to collaborate with us in this journey towards fulfilling your destiny. All you need to achieve greatness is right here, here in ABUAD. So, remind yourself again of that greatness you are pursuing. The Chancellor, Aare Afe Babalola firmly believes that “the only lasting change that would change the world and would change the people is changing the mindset of the youths. My legacy is not in the buildings I have, not by the money in my account, but in these children, the students of my school.
“This 15th matriculation ceremony signifies the beginning of a long race, and like a famous quote states,“the journey of a thousand miles always begins with one step” For our students matriculating today this ceremony is that first step, and what better time to take that step than on a Sunday, a day that symbolises new creation, and at ABUAD! From this first step a glorious future awaits you, and with hard work, I promise you it shall only get better from here!ABUADs’ Institutional UniquenessAt ABUAD we do not produce regular graduates.
In a country where mediocrity, failure, corruption, poverty and excuse for backwardness is fast becoming the norm, it is a disservice for any higher educational institution, as endowed as we are, to produce the regular kind of graduates” .The VC said .
