Overview and History of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)

 
Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), established in 2009, is a private, non-profit institution located in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.  Founded by the renowned legal luminary and philanthropist, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the university was conceived as a model for educational reform in Nigeria.  ABUAD aims to provide quality education, foster industry, and instill discipline and character in its students.  

Aare Afe Babalola's vision for ABUAD was to create a world-class educational center that emphasizes academic excellence, character development, sports, and vocational training.  He believed in producing professionals who are not only academically sound but also self-reliant, kind, and generous.  This vision aligns with the Nigerian government's policy encouraging public-private partnerships in education.  

##Motto and Core Values
The university's motto, "Labor Servitum Et Integritas," translates to "Labor for Service and Integrity."  This encapsulates ABUAD's commitment to hard work, service to humanity, and upholding integrity in all endeavors.  

##Campus and Infrastructure
Situated on 130 hectares of land at an altitude of over 1,500 feet above sea level, ABUAD offers a serene and conducive environment for learning and sports activities.  Remarkably, the university commenced academic activities on its permanent site with fully constructed college buildings, hostels, staff quarters, and modern teaching facilities within eight months of its establishment.  

##Academic Structure and Programs
ABUAD operates a collegiate system comprising six colleges: 

College of Law

College of Sciences

College of Medicine and Health Sciences

College of Engineering

College of Social and Management Sciences

College of Postgraduate Studies


The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across these colleges.  Notably, the College of Engineering is reputed to be one of the largest in Africa, built on three and a half acres of land.  

##Accreditations and Recognitions
All 47 programs offered by ABUAD have full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).  Additionally, various programs have received accreditations from professional bodies such as the Council for Legal Education, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).  

##Leadership and Administration
The university is led by Professor Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde, who serves as the Vice Chancellor.  A seasoned academic and legal practitioner with over 37 years of experience, Professor Olarinde has been instrumental in steering the university towards achieving its founding vision.  

##Global Rankings and Achievements
ABUAD has consistently been recognized for its academic excellence and impact.  In the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, the university emerged as the best in Nigeria for the third consecutive year, ranked 4th in Africa, and 142nd globally.  It was also rated first worldwide in Social Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).  

##Innovations and Research Initiatives
Demonstrating its commitment to innovation, ABUAD inaugurated a Dome Planetarium with an astronomical observatory in 2017, a first of its kind in Africa.  This facility aids research in astronomy and space exploration.  

##Student Life and Extracurricular Activities
ABUAD places a strong emphasis on holistic education, encouraging students to engage in various extracurricular activities, including sports, entrepreneurship, and community service.  The university's stable academic calendar and conducive learning environment have made it a top choice among Nigerian institutions.  

##Admissions and Entry Requirements
Prospective students seeking admission into ABUAD must have at least five credits in relevant subjects, including English and Mathematics, in their O'Level examinations.  Additionally, candidates must pass the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the university's Post-UTME screening.  

##Official Website and Contact Information
For more information about Afe Babalola University, including admission procedures, academic programs, and recent news, visit the official website: www.abuad.edu.ng. 

##Health Facilities and Medical Services
Afe Babalola University boasts a cutting-edge multi-system hospital: the ABUAD Multi-System Hospital, inaugurated in 2018. This 400-bed facility is equipped with world-class medical technologies and serves both the university community and the public. It houses over 16 specialized departments, including Cardiology, Oncology, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, and Neurosurgery.

The hospital also functions as a teaching hospital for students in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, ensuring practical, hands-on experience for future medical professionals.

##Technology and Digital Learning
ABUAD integrates modern technology into all areas of academic delivery and administration. Classrooms are equipped with smart boards, projectors, and internet access to aid interactive learning. The university's library is fully digitized, granting students access to global academic databases and e-resources.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ABUAD was one of the few Nigerian universities that successfully transitioned to online teaching, demonstrating its technological readiness and commitment to uninterrupted education.

##Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives
In alignment with its global recognition for Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), ABUAD is committed to green energy practices. The campus utilizes solar energy to power key facilities and promotes sustainable waste management, water recycling, and conservation.

Students are also engaged in research and innovation projects focused on renewable energy, agriculture, and climate change mitigation.

##International Collaborations and Exchange Programs
ABUAD has established academic partnerships and exchange programs with several international institutions. These collaborations include joint research initiatives, faculty exchange, and student study-abroad opportunities.

Some of ABUAD’s notable global partners include:

Howard University, USA

University of London, UK

African Development Bank (AFDB) for STEM research

Several universities in India, China, and Malaysia


These relationships help enhance the global outlook and competitiveness of ABUAD’s graduates.

##Entrepreneurship and Innovation Development
A core aspect of ABUAD’s curriculum is entrepreneurship education. The university runs a well-structured Entrepreneurial Centre that offers training in fashion design, agriculture, catering, digital skills, photography, printing, and soap production, among others.

Students are required to take entrepreneurship courses as part of their general studies, enabling them to become job creators rather than job seekers upon graduation.

##Alumni Achievements and Impact
Though relatively young, ABUAD already boasts a growing alumni base making impactful contributions across fields like law, medicine, engineering, business, and public service. The university maintains a strong alumni network, encouraging former students to give back through mentorship, donations, and corporate partnerships.

The university’s alumni relations office coordinates reunions, career fairs, and continuous professional development programs for graduates.