Professor Damilola Sunday Olawuyi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and the global vice chair of the International Law Association, has commended Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), the founder and chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), as well as the academic and non-academic staff of the university, for the university’s recent international recognition in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
In 2022–2025, ABUAD set a new record by becoming the 84th greatest university in the world, ranking third in Africa, and continuing to hold the top spot in Nigeria for the fourth year in a row.
These comments were given by Olawuyi, a leading professor of international law and ABUAD’s deputy vice chancellor for research, innovation, and strategic partnerships, during a speech in Morocco on the fringes of the Arab-Africa Forum on Business and Human Rights in Marakech.
In his discussion on the importance of higher education in fostering innovation and sustainable development in Africa, Olawuyi pointed out that academic institutions can play a significant role in fostering an innovation economy that promotes regional investment and commerce while upholding human rights.
He contends that through research, executive education, enterprise development, and courses that offer workable answers to the continent’s problems, Africa needs universities with a global perspective that foster entrepreneurial creativity.
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Olawuyi praised Aare Afe Babalola as a fearless reformist, continental treasure, and icon who has showed us what is possible, pointing out that regrettably, just a small number of universities on the continent share this mindset.
Afe Babalola of Nigeria, he said, “has shown us what is possible in this regard.”
In order to devote his time and energy to creating a cutting-edge, world-class institution that can compete on a global scale, Babalola returned to his birthplace of Ado Ekiti after deciding to abandon his profitable legal practice on his own.
His university currently holds the 84th position among the world’s top universities. There must be at least one Afe Babalola in each of Africa’s 54 nations.
“It will transform the world to have 54 Afe Babalolas on the continent.” But in actuality, there is only one Afe Babalola, and he is pleased to be in Nigeria.
He declared, “He is truly a national treasure who merits all praise and recognition.”
Olawuyi reiterated the need for African governments, investors, and the international community to work together and support innovative institutions like ABUAD. He said that with increased support, ABUAD will undoubtedly raise the bar for education and quickly produce honorable laurates who will open the door to technological and economic prosperity for our continent and country.
Additionally, he urged universities in Morocco and other parts of Africa to learn from ABUAD’s success story and to promote cross-learning among African institutions.
