Adewumi Ademiju 
…as Founder regrets Approval Delay in Automobile’s License of Operations
Legal Luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) has lamented that an American company had wanted to start car production at the educational institution’s industrial park but that they were denied a licence for operation.
Babalola, who is also the Chancellor of the Citadel of Learning disclosed this on Wednesday while partnering with the Chinese institution’s representatives on education and industry that visited the varsity.
He stressed the need for a new constitution for Nigeria to pave the way for yearning for developmental strides.
According to him, “When I wanted to start this University, the intention was to build a University that would be different from any other University in Nigeria. That was why I made the French and Chinese compulsory.”
Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), emphasized his vision to create a unique educational institution in Nigeria during his remarks.
He stated that making Chinese and French compulsory was part of this goal.
He highlighted the university’s strong ties with China, urging a reevaluation of their relationship to position ABUAD as a central hub for Chinese interests in his commitment to establishing a distinct academic environment
The eminent Legal Icon also positioned ABUAD as a leading institution in the country since its founding in 2009.
The university however announced a partnership with Chinese institutions aimed at improving the educational sector and fostering industrial collaboration in Nigeria.
This agreement includes provisions for academic exchanges and the introduction of vocational training programs in key areas such as agriculture, industrial parks, and mechanical skills.
The initiative aims to bolster educational opportunities and skills development, aligning with Nigeria’s broader goals of youth empowerment and employment enhancement.
Ms Wendy wang, the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Consortium on industry and Education explained that the partnership will see Chinese tutors providing instruction in language, culture and skills to help produce graduates with international relevance.
Ms Wang stated “The key is to create talent retain that talent and also to transfer human transform human intelligence into productive outcomes. This is the vision we aim to achieve for this institution.”
The Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde expressed gratitude for the support from the Chinese government, highlighting the initiative’s potential to empower the Nigerian industry and Education.
“Also, during the 2024 World Chinese Language Conference held in Beijing from November 15 to 17, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), was awarded the “2024 Chinese Plus Digital & Intelligent Education Gold Medal Cooperative Institution” by China-Africa Investment FZC.”
The event attracted nearly 2,000 participants from over 160 countries, highlighting ABUAD’s commitment to educational collaboration between China and Nigeria.
The university’s Vice Chancellor said the institution has recorded significant achievement in its pursuit of excellence in education.
