Babalola says Africa has many potentials that many advanced nations don’t have, hinges on collaboration, bags South African Varsity honours
Elder statesman and legal icon, Afe Babalola (SAN), is to be specially honoured by the Durban University of Technology (DUT) South Africa, another in the series of many honorary degrees awarded him so far across the globe for his exemplary services to humanity, and promotion of educational values.
The Durban University of Technology (DUT) South Africa will confer the award of honorary degree in-between Business and Law on Babalola at a ceremony to later come up in Durban, South Africa, in September, 2025
This is just as the founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD says sustained academic and cultural collaboration among leading African institutions remained one of the leading ways, through which the continent can attain its rightful position globally, especially in the areas of education, culture, research and natural resources, among other potentials.
Babalola, who spoke on the sideline of his hosting a delegation of senior team of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) South Africa, hailed the partnership between DUT and his Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), which has equally honoured him with a honorary degree, to be conferred later in September this year.
He commended the teaching staff of the University for making sure that ABUAD students are bred, and refined in practical ways, for the growth and development of Nigeria.
“I still believe that we can achieve our rightful place in the world, through education and that is why we are working together with DUT, to make it possible to achieve our goals.
“If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together, we must go together to overtake other countries in everything.
“I am happy that ABUAD is topping in world ranking in one or two areas. Together in the next few years, we will lead the world, by being the number one university.
“I thank my teachers who have been working tirelessly, in pursuit of our goals, I am happy that our students are being bred in a way to become future leaders of the country”, he said.
Babalola further asserted that Africa can reclaim its rightful place in global affairs, only through quality education.
The nonagenarian philanthropist noted that civilization did not originate in Europe or America, but in Africa, questioning how the continent lost its standing and prestige and became underdeveloped.
“Neither Europe nor America is superior to Africa,” he affirmed.
He attributed his change in perspective regarding European superiority to education, stating, “As a young man, I believed Europe was superior to Africa. However, through education, I realized that we can reclaim our rightful place in the world.”
Speaking, the Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, commended the resilience of Babalola to the development and progress of the state.
Oyebanji, represented by the State Head of Service, Dr Folake Olomojobi, added that the public service in the state was ready to partner with the Institution’s research department, in the quest to develop both the state and the country.
In her welcome address, ABUAD’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, emphasised that the lecture transcended traditional academic engagements, serving as a strategic platform to strengthen Africa’s global standing.
She commended the visionary leadership of Founder and Chancellor, Babalola, and the support of his wife, Chief Modupe Babalola
Olarinde highlighted the enduring relationship between ABUAD and DUT, which began with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 31st of August, 2021.
“This initiative, sponsored 23 ABUAD staff members to pursue postgraduate studies at DUT, and I am pleased to share that six of them are on track to complete their programs this year,” she said.
she called for expanded collaboration, including joint publications, research fundings, and interdisciplinary programmes.
According to ABUAD/DUT MoU Liaison Coordinator, Prof. Emem Anwana, the significance of DUT’s delegation visit re-emphasises ABUAD’s readiness to deepen its thriving partnership with DUT.
“This MoU began informally, much like how Baba Afe Babalola often describes ABUAD’s inception as a dream. Yet today, just four years later, we present its beneficiaries, who are a source of pride for both DUT and ABUAD,” she said.
She further revealed that seven postgraduate students, including four pursuing Master’s Degrees and three Doctoral candidates, all products of the MoU, will be graduating this year.
Speaking on behalf of the student beneficiaries, ABUAD’s Research and Development Officer, Mr. Abraham Adeniran, expressed profound gratitude to Babalola and DUT’s leadership, emphasizing the programme’s impact in enhancing their research and publication skills.
He detailed how their academic journey had led to the presentation of their work at various conferences and seminars.
NAN reports that the senior delegation from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), aside from visiting the Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti ABUAD, it also visited the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemi Adejugbe, as part of it’s strategic visits to high ranking universities and traditional institutions in Nigeria and Ghana.
The purpose of their visit to both ABUAD and the Ewi’s palace, is to establish key partnerships, promote academic programmes, and highlight research and postgraduate opportunities.
The visit is also aimed at patenting the DUT Business School, as a premier institution for business education and leadership development on the African continent, and afford members of the DUT delegation with opportunities, to make several research and academic presentations, and deliver guest lectures at host universities.
The DUT delegation said they were in ABUAD), Nigeria, as a mark of respect and cultural appreciation to Babalola and the traditional institution in the ancient city of Ado-Ekiti.
The team, which first paid a courtesy visit to the palace of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome, and the opportunity to engage with institutions within the King’s kingdom.
Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, the Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, welcoming the DUT representatives, to the palace, formally introduced them to the First. Class traditional ruler.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr Lavern Samuels, presented the team to the king, and later explained the purpose of the visit.
Also speaking, Prof. Fulufhelo Netswera, Executive Dean in the Faculty of Management Sciences at DUT, presented special gifts to the King, thanking him for his hospitality, which was laced with the rich culture and traditions of the Yoruba race.
In his address, Oba Adejugbe reflected on the enduring legacy of South African icons, President Nelson Mandela, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, acknowledging their contributions to humanity.
He also expressed appreciation for DUT’s recognition of Babalola and his university, and the institution’s role in advancing education and research.
In a symbolic gesture of friendship and goodwill, the delegation was honoured with traditional attire, signifying a warm and respectful welcome from the Royal Palace.
Speaking about the event, Prof. Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, described the visit as significant step in strengthening ties between DUT and leading institutions in West Africa.
Earlier in a lecture, DUT’s Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Fulufhelo Netswera, emphasised the need for Africa to lead on the global stage.
In his lecture, titled “The Future Africa Should Claim in Global Affairs,” he stressed that Africa must take charge of its development, referring to the continent’s vast natural and human resources.
“The Democratic Republic of Congo’s largest river alone has the potential to supply energy to the entire continent,” he asserted.
The Guest Lecturer expressed disappointment that African leaders still seek aid from the West, despite the continent possessing over 60% of the world’s arable land.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of an Award Letter Babalola, with an official award ceremony scheduled for September 2025, at DUT, South Africa.
Presenting the letter, Prof. Netswera announced plans to honour Babalola with an honorary Doctorate in Business or Law, stating, “after a tedious search, we have found the most deserving candidate in Aare Afe Babalola.”
