The Staff of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) on the 3rd of April, 2013, convened at the school’s Multi-Purpose Hall for a Congress. The Congress which had both all Employees and the Management of the Institution was targeted at examining and assessment of the performance of Staff so far, in the light of the vision and mission of the world class University. It was also a forum for the management to challenge everyone to hold firm the core values of ABUAD, while pursuing with vigour, the vision of our Founder which has sustained the Institution and brought it to what can be referred to as the theatre stage of excellence above its contemporaries.
The Founder and President emeritus, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), who was present, though for a short while had much to say to all. In his brief but challenging speech, Aare shared his rough encounter while growing up and his inability to get funding, which pushed him to engage in private study and made his way to the top. He stated that going by the constitution of the National Universities Commission (NUC); the objectives of the establishment of Nigerian Universities have not been fully actualized. He further said that the problem of Nigerian Universities, both Federal and State is not just the issue of funding but the quality of Teachers.
Aare stated that it was based on the foregoing, he established ABUAD and garnered expert from various disciplines who are outstanding, to replicate excellence in the upcoming generation and lead the wagon of reformation in Nigeria’s tertiary education. The Founder however stressed that the work of teachers does not end in the lecture rooms but extends to positively influencing the Students’ character. He argued that it was the duty of each teacher to discipline their Students, adding that the rules and regulations of the School must be complied with.
Aare Afe Babalola therefore called on every member of Staff (academic and non-academic) to be resolved and committed to this course.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sidi Osho also spoke on salient and imperative issues that will keep the ABUAD dream alive. In her speech, she touched the personal development of Staff, social life, religious life and work ethics, among others.
According to Prof. Osho, workers/employees in any Institution must contribute to the development of that Institution and not just a place to work and get paid alone. In order to achieve organizational goals, workers must be committed in their service.