The annual convention of Committee of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (CORNU), paid one-day courtesy visit to Afe Babalola University on 26th April, 2013, to witness what has been proclaimed by generalities of commentator as Nigerian Harvard and a place worthy of visit.
The one day visit to ABUAD which was one of the programmes prepared for the commemoration of the annual convention of CORNU agreed that, establishment of ABUAD is unique in conception and implementation. The committee noted that, they were particularly happy about the modern facilities in the campus and the serenity of the University environment.
According to the outgoing chairman of the committee, Mr. Ogunruku Ayorinde, ABUAD structures and facilities are not comparable to that of any institutions in Nigeria. In that regard, the chairman called on every wealthy elite in Nigeria who benefited from the nation free education policies in the past to emulate Aare Afe Babalola in stemming the decay in Nigeria’s university education. He also appealed to both the federal and state government to give support to the tertiary institutions in the country.
The programme which had its introductory remarks made by the Registrar, Afe Babalola University – Lady Christie Oluborode, witnessed the presence of the founder, Afe Babalola University – Aare Afe Babalola, the Vice Chancellor and other principal officers of the University.
In his address to the CORNU members, the Founder of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, explained that the position of the Registrar of a School, constitutes one of the permanent positions that can-not be interfered with unless the holder has reached the level of his/her retirement. He reiterated that, his University is a CHARITABLE UNIVERSITY not a Profit Making one. He then implored members of CORNU to embrace spirit of oneness in order to achieve their goals and he enjoined them to walk round the school premises to see themselves the activities in ABUAD.
On her own her part, the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. Sidi Osho, acknowledged the Founder and welcomed the CORNU members to the institution. She also sensitized them with the philosophy, vision and mission of the Founder and advised them to hold some of their meetings in ABUAD.
These are the statements expressed by some of the members of CORNU in appreciation of ABUAD structure and facilities
“I did not believe that what I saw in Istanbul, Turkey will be seen anywhere in Nigerian Universities. I am amazed. This is a model University” —— Alhaji Dachetu .O. Mamman, Registrar, Nasarawa State University, Kebbi.
“Congratulations, what I saw today is a dream. Well done ——- Kamil Kemana, Registrar, Nigerian-Turkish University.
The incoming chairman of the association, Dr. Awosusi, Registrar, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, appealed to the Founder, Aare Afe Babalola, to always carry them along, promising to make the next visit to ABUAD a special one.
The 67 members of the Nigerian Universities’ Registrar present warmly listened to the well composed ABUAD Anthem.