The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating educational standards, linking the decline directly to the increasing wave of crime across the country.
According to a statement issued by ABUAD’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Tunde Olofintila, Babalola made these remarks over the weekend during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Ekiti State University (EKSU), led by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatola Ayodele.
The elder statesman described the current level of criminal activity nationwide as alarming and blamed it largely on the diminishing quality of education, particularly within tertiary institutions. He argued that many youths involved in criminal acts are products of a weak and underperforming educational system.
“Half education is more dangerous than no education,” Babalola emphasized, stressing the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s academic structure. He appealed to all levels of government and other key stakeholders to overhaul the nation’s education system to promote development, reduce crime, and improve national security.
Babalola further challenged policymakers and institutions to prioritize research funding, innovation, and academic excellence, insisting these are vital tools for driving national growth and youth empowerment.
In her remarks, ABUAD Vice-Chancellor, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, commended Babalola’s visionary efforts in founding the university. She highlighted ABUAD’s strides in healthcare and agriculture, noting a recent breakthrough where the institution’s hospital successfully delivered twins for a 60-year-old woman — a significant medical achievement.
On his part, the EKSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodele, hailed Babalola as “an unrepentant philanthropist and proud alumnus” who consistently contributes to societal growth. He praised the university’s world-class facilities and advocated for stronger partnerships between ABUAD and EKSU, especially in agriculture, research, and student exchange programs.
“We’re preparing to harvest tomatoes from 14 hectares of farmland at EKSU,” Ayodele noted, “and we believe deeper collaboration with ABUAD’s farm will enhance our agricultural capacity and national food security.”
The visit marked a historic occasion, with ABUAD’s Registrar, Lady Christie Oluborode, acknowledging Professor Ayodele as the first EKSU Vice-Chancellor in 42 years to officially visit ABUAD with a delegation.
She added that the visit further affirmed ABUAD’s standing as a beacon of academic innovation and community impact, driven by Aare Babalola’s enduring mission to transform education into the foundation of Nigeria’s progress.
