By Oludamisi Ojo.
The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), has said Nigeria would only have a functional education if universities are made fertile grounds to acquire degrees as well as sound and good character.

Babalola spoke during the matriculation ceremony of the university for the 2021/22 session, held at ABUAD on Monday.

While addressing the matriculants, Babalola hailed the parents for choosing the best university in this part of the world that offers good and reliable certificates as well as infusing good moral standing in students.

According to him: “ABUAD was not just set up for certificate acquisition, we also mold character. I know that we can only get it right in this country in the term. of functional education if universities are places where you get certificates as well as promote good character.

“That is why whatever certificate you get here will open doors for you because we believe in character building. Without character, education will be useless.

” If you comply with our rules, you will come out with high class and you will be rewarded. This is the only university that rewards scholarships.

“ABUAD started 12 years ago with 240 students, who completed their degrees in time and with some of them moving up to earn their PhDs.

“We have the best credible and reliable academic calendars in this country. Whether we have COVID-19, COVID 30, or 50, we will not stop going to school. We will never stop opening this school for learning”.

Also speaking at an event marking the 4th anniversary of the establishment of the 400-bed Afe Babalola Multisystem Hospital (AMSH), Babalola said the health institution is a model, set up to revamp the health sector in Nigeria.

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“I challenge the council of traditional rulers to go and pass a resolution and asked President Muhammadu Buhari to come here and see what we are doing.

“Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo was here, Goodluck Jonathan was here and why can’t President Buhari be here to see how we are contributing to nation-building?”, he asked.

Babalola promised that every equipment and competent personnel required will be acquired by the hospital to ensure that AMSH stops medical tourism in Nigeria.

The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, commended the Hospital, saying the institution has contributed to the economic and social wellbeing of the populace.