Character Building, Catalyst for Functional Education, Says Babalola

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), has said Nigeria would only have a functional education if universities are made fertile grounds to acquire degrees as well as sound and good character.

Babalola stated during the matriculation ceremony of the university for the 2021/22 session held at ABUAD in Ekiti State yesterday.

Addressing those who matriculated, Babalola congratulated the parents, saying they have chosen  the best university in this part of the world that offers good and reliable certificates as well as infusing good moral standing in the students.

He said: “ABUAD was not just set up for certificate acquisition, we also mould character. I know that we can only get it right in this country in term of functional education if universities are places where you get certificates as well as promote good character.

“That is why whatever certificate you get here will open doors for you because we believe in character building. Without character, education will be useless.

“If you comply with our rules, you will come out with high class and you will be rewarded. This is the only university that rewards scholarship.”

Babalola added: “ABUAD started 12 years ago with 240 students, who completed their degrees in time and with some of them moving up to earn their doctorates.

“We have the best, credible and reliable academic calendars in this country. Whether we have COVID -19, COVID-30 or not, we will not stop going to school. We will never stop opening this school for learning.”

Also at an event to mark the fourth anniversary of the establishment of the 400-bed Afe Babalola Multisystem Hospital (AMSH), Babalola stated that the health institution is a model set up to revamp the health sector in Nigeria.

He said: “I challenge the council of traditional rulers to go and pass a resolution and asked President Muhammadu Buhari to come here and see what we are doing.

“Former Presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, were here, so why can’t President Buhari be here to see how we are contributing to nation building?”

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria promised that every equipment and competent personnel required will be acquired by the hospital to ensure that AMSH stops medical tourism in Nigeria.

Commending the hospital for saving the lives of thousands of Ekiti residents, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, said the institution has contributed to the economic and social wellbeing of the populace.

“The value of equipment put in here and the numbers of professionals it has showed that AMSH is one hospital that can be relied on. Whatever you can get in Indian hospitals, you will get it in AMSH. Babalola is contributing his quota, doing well for humanity, and  giving hope to the hopeless,” he stated.