The Vice Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Smaranda Olarinde, said on Tuesday that the institution would graduate 1,841 students for the 2025/2026 session.
Olarinde, who said that 229 of the fresh graduates bagged first-class degrees, added that honorary doctorates would be conferred on three eminent Nigerians during the convocation, holding on October 21, 2025, in appreciation of the various ways they had impacted society in different areas of their callings.
The VC spoke during the press conference heralding the 13th convocation ceremonies of the institution.
“This year, we are graduating an overall total of 1,841 students. Cumulatively, the university has graduated 15,115 students, both at first degree and postgraduate levels, since its maiden convocation on October 21, 2013,” Olarinde said.
She listed those to receive the honorary doctorate to include former Nigeria Bar Association President, Wole Olanipekun (SAN); the Chairman, Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and philanthropist and Benin Princess, Rosemary Mku-Atu.
Olarinde, however, lamented the deplorable state of the road leading to the university and Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, the Ado – Ijan – Ikare Akoko Road, a federal road, calling on the Federal Government to rehabilitate and reconstruct the road.
She said, “As the privileged VC of this noble citadel of learning, I am proud to reaffirm that we have continued to bring honour, global visibility and pride to Ekiti and to Nigeria at large. We have been ranked Number 84 in the world, Number 3 in Africa and Number 1 in Nigeria for four consecutive years.
“However, despite these remarkable achievements, the Ado – Ijan – Ikare Federal Road, which serves as the major access route to the university, remains in a deplorable condition. I once again appeal, as I did last year, that this road be urgently rehabilitated, reconstruction and fixed.
“The road should be treated as a top priority, considering that ABUAD hosts students from all 36 states of the federation and has international students too. The said route is a major link to the airport, Ondo State and the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria’s seat of power.”
The VC, while making a case to the government for urgent repair of the road, said, “Truly fixing this vital road for Nigerian citizens, our dear Ekiti State, ABUAD, Federal Polytechnic, and to honour a living legend whose immeasurable contributions continue to attract global acclaim, is not too much to ask.
“I humbly appeal to the government across all levels to address these pressing issues with utmost seriousness and speed. Such intervention will not only save lives and restore safety but will also enhance security and the socio-economic activities in the region.”
The university congratulated the Ekiti State Government on the approval granted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport to begin commercial flight operations effective October 4, 2025.
“Now that the airport has finally received this much-awaited NCAA approval, we urge the government to expedite all necessary processes to ensure that full commercial operations commence without delay.
“This will enable the airport to fulfil its intended purpose as a catalyst for economic growth, investment and sustainable development of Ekiti State,” Olarinde concluded.
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