Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, an acclaimed Nigerian lawyer, elder-statesman, and educational philanthropist, was honored last Thursday with a prestigious fellowship by King’s College London. The ceremony, held at the Memorial Alfa BeIgore Hall of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, celebrated Babalola’s remarkable contributions to law, education, and societal development.
The event drew a distinguished audience including top government officials, community leaders, industry captains, and family members, who gathered to pay tribute to Babalola’s exceptional achievements.
Babalola, the founder of ABUAD, has a history of receiving numerous accolades from educational institutions in recognition of his transformative work. However, this latest honor from King’s College London holds particular significance. It marks a notable recognition of his contributions to education and his impactful role in various sectors including legal jurisprudence, health, agriculture, and industrial development.
Prof. Shitiij Kapur, President of King’s College London, expressed admiration for ABUAD’s state-of-the-art facilities and rapid development. He noted that ABUAD had achieved what took King’s College more than a century to accomplish, with over 8,000 students enrolled in less than a decade. Kapur lauded Babalola for his visionary leadership in establishing a university that rivals Ivy League institutions in terms of educational quality.
During the ceremony, Prof. Funmi Olonisakin, Vice President of International Engagement and Service at King’s College, emphasized the merit of the fellowship award, highlighting Babalola’s transformative impact on education and society. She described Babalola as a “magician” who has revolutionized the international education system through his work at ABUAD.
In his response, Babalola expressed deep gratitude for the honor, viewing it as a challenge to further his contributions to society and education. He recalled his humble beginnings and his efforts to provide educational opportunities through correspondence studies, a method he sought to modernize and expand with King’s College London’s partnership.
Babalola’s achievements, including the establishment of the Afe Babalola Transnational Education Centre, aim to revive and enhance correspondence education, making it more accessible and impactful. He reflected on his personal journey from a modest background to becoming a prominent figure in education and law.
ABUAD Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, commended the recognition from King’s College, asserting that it underscores Babalola’s exemplary role in transformative education and reinforces ABUAD’s standing as a leading institution of academic excellence.
The event was a testament to Babalola’s enduring influence and the high regard in which he is held both in Nigeria and internationally.
