By Emeka Chiaghanam
In a world where many people begin to slow down at the age of 80, Afe Babalola embarked on a remarkable journey to establish a university. This decision, made when most are settling into retirement, showcases the extraordinary spirit and determination of a man who refused to limit himself.
Afe Babalola’s story begins in
Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria, where he was born and attended Emmanuel
Primary School in Ado Ekiti. His pursuit of education was unconventional and
driven by sheer determination. He prepared for the Senior Cambridge School
Certificate examination through private study with Wolsey Hall, Oxford.
Babalola’s thirst for knowledge led him to obtain an A-Level certificate from
London University and subsequently a bachelor's degree in Economics from the
London School of Economics. His academic journey didn’t stop there; he worked
briefly at the Central Bank of Nigeria before obtaining a bachelor's degree in
Law from the University of London. In 1963, he was called to the England bar,
becoming a member of Lincoln's Inn, London.
Babalola’s contributions to his
home state of Ekiti are immense. He is often regarded as the father of the
state, particularly due to his efforts during the struggle for its creation in
1996. His impact on the socio-economic development of Ekiti is unparalleled.
The current governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, acknowledged Babalola as the
second-largest employer in the state, next to the government, and noted that
his businesses are the highest tax contributors to the state’s coffers.
A lover of education,
Babalola’s academic exploits earned him national recognition when President
Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as the Pro-Chancellor of the University of
Lagos in 2001. He won the Best Pro-Chancellor Award consecutively in 2005 and
2006, a testament to his dedication and impact. During his tenure at UNILAG, he
facilitated numerous projects funded by corporate bodies like Julius Berger,
Shell, and Wema Bank. These projects not only enhanced the university’s
infrastructure but also fostered a harmonious relationship between the
governing council, school management, and students.
Inspired by his experiences at
UNILAG, Babalola decided to establish his university, Afe Babalola University,
Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), in 2009. Remarkably, he embarked on this venture at the age
of 80, a time when most people are well into their retirement. Demonstrating
incredible resolve, he sold all his properties in Lagos, Abuja, the United
Kingdom, and Ibadan to fund his dream. Returning to his birthplace, Ado Ekiti,
he acquired an expansive piece of land and began building what would become a
world-class institution.
ABUAD stands today as a
testament to Babalola’s vision and perseverance. The university is a
self-sustaining community, producing its own water, bread, fish, fruits,
poultry, and even supplying fresh produce to the town. It generates its own
power using gas and solar systems, completely independent of the national grid.
This level of sustainability sets an inspiring example for other institutions.
The university’s teaching
hospital is another marvel. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, it
boasts eight modular theatres, CT and MRI scan machines, 16 kidney dialysis
machines, and an ICU ward. The hospital has successfully performed kidney
transplants, brain surgeries, and heart surgeries, among others. ABUAD’s Law
department is reputed to be the best in West Africa, and its College of
Engineering is considered the best-equipped engineering college in Nigeria by
the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
Babalola’s journey teaches us
that age should never be a barrier to achieving greatness. His story is a
powerful reminder that we should not limit ourselves by societal expectations
or personal doubts. The success of ABUAD, built from the ground up by a man in
his eighties, exemplifies what can be achieved with determination, vision, and
hard work.
Afe Babalola’s life is an
inspiration to us all. It urges us to pursue our dreams relentlessly,
regardless of the obstacles or our stage in life. His legacy demonstrates that
with passion and perseverance, we can accomplish incredible feats and leave an
indelible mark on the world.
So, do not limit yourself.
Embrace your ambitions with the same fervor as Afe Babalola, and you too can
achieve the extraordinary.
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