The Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Ekiti State, has emerged the best university in Nigeria for the third consecutive year, according to the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact World universities ranking.
The Founder, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) disclosed this while addressing reporters over the years.
According to him, the 15-year-old private university emerged the best among the 264 Nigerian universities, fourth in Africa, and 142nd among the 2,152 ranked universities in the world.
Are Babalola said the institution was also rated first in the world in the Social Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean energy), overall best in Outreach Programmes and Stewardship with a score of 98.2 per cent in the impact ranking.
Babalola attributed the rise in ABUAD’s ranking to its quality curriculum, stable and predictable academic calendar, as well as its unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
He said: “We are here today to share good news for the third consecutive year. Our 15-year-old university has again been ranked number 1 in Nigeria, and number 142 in education generally, the world.
“The above notwithstanding, our ranking position has changed significantly. The reason is because this year, our ranking has gone beyond the shores of Nigeria and now global. This result constitutes a challenge to all Nigerians, particularly our universities. We are all aware of the economic doldrums the country is battling with. I must stress that education is the panacea to all the ignorance, extremism, poverty, religious bigotry and tribalism among other problems, confronting the country.
“It is my conviction that if people can emulate the type of complete, and innovative education system, hard work, honesty and faith being exhibited in ABUAD, Nigeria would have been better for it.”
Are Babalola thanked the members of staff for their relentless efforts in ensuring ABUAD is reckoned with in the educational sector, and urged them not to rest on their oars.
“I encourage all members of staff to see our current ranking as a call to duty, so that apart from remaining number next year, we will be number one in other areas, and number one globally in everything,” he added.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
