Federal Poly Ado Must Become a University Of Technology - Aare Afe Babalola
The founder of the Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola has again reiterated his commitment towards the growth and development of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti.
Aare Afe Babalola made this known while receiving in his office, the newly inaugurated 12th Governing Council members of the Institution under the leadership of Prof. Ongoebi Maureen Etebu, with the Management team on a courtesy visit.
While he went down memory lane on how the Federal Polytechnic came about, the foremost educationist recounted the trajectory of its establishment and how it has developed into what it has become today.
Aare Babalola who described his love for education maintained that it has always been his desire and dream to witness the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, develop and become a Federal University of Technology. He hoped that it would come to fruition in the nearest future in order to realize its full potential.
Speaking further, Aare Babalola noted that the Institution is very blessed at such time to have brilliant and intellectual minds that have been privileged to occupy various offices and have gotten to the peak of their professions.
Extolling the Council Chairman, Baba Afe Babalola said, “I love education so much. Education is a powerful tool that lifts you and allows people appreciate you the more. I have been to the whole of West Africa and have not come across someone with such multiple degrees. As a woman of many degrees, I believe you are full of ideas. Together with other members, let us do things that will differentiate us from other Polytechnics. We can have the best Engineering department in the whole of Nigeria”.
The visionary founder admonished the 12th Governing Council members to draw from their wealth of experience as intellectuals and do something better than they have met in order to move the Institution forward. He further called for collaboration between the Polytechnic and the University on research works.
Earlier in her remarks, the 12th Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Ongoebi Maureen Etebu lauded the achievements of the Founder and appreciated him for the numerous assistance and efforts rendered to the Institution over the years.
“We are very grateful our Baba. God has used you as an instrument through which the Polytechnic was relocated from Akure to Ado Ekiti and we have also been intimated on how you have been a pillar of support to the Institution ever since then”
Prof. Ongoebi noted that she has been opportuned to pass through various Universities in the Country either by learning or impacting knowledge, but none supersedes the Afe Babalola University. “When it comes to the enabling and conducive environment for the students to thrive and most importantly the capable hands that are readily on ground to impact knowledge into the lives of the students, your University tops the list”, she added.
She opined that their visit to the University was to draw from the wealth of experience and expertise of the visionary founder, while assuring that the 12th Governing Council together with the Management of the Polytechnic were ready to take the bull by its horn to bring about great developmental strides that would take the Institution to its zenith.
Prof. Ongoebi prayed that as Baba Afe Babalola has chosen to impact knowledge into lives, God Almighty will strengthen him the more and his legacy will outlive him and last from generations to generations.
The Rector of the Institution, Dr, Temitope John Alake, while presenting gifts to Baba Afe Babalola, appreciated his quest for driving sanity to Nigerian education and for standing by the Polytechnic, most especially in recent times.
Dr. Alake assured the founder that the Institution will not in any way disappoint him but will continue to build on itself in order to achieve the much desired result of ranking as the best amongst its equals.
Giving the vote of thanks, the Registrar, Mrs. Folashade Akintola expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Baba Afe Babalola for his contributions towards the betterment of education and his efforts at ensuring that Ekiti State moves forward.
Mrs. Akintola noted that his numerous contributions and philanthropic acts are seen and enjoyed by everyone in the state and prayed that his strength will not diminish.
