The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has lauded Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) for its significant contributions to the agricultural and industrial sectors in Nigeria, seeking to strengthen existing collaborations.
During a courtesy visit to the university on Wednesday, the Deputy Director General of IITA, Dr Kenton Dashiell, expressed the institute’s admiration for ABUAD’s founder, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, and his unwavering commitment to food security through substantial investments in agricultural development.
Dr. Dashiell expressed the IITA’s willingness to strengthen its existing collaboration with ABUAD, a leading educational institution worldwide. He highlighted the university’s impressive achievements not only in agriculture but also in industrialization and community service.
He reaffirmed his institution’s commitment to continue investing in the university, with the goal of not only achieving global recognition but also positioning it as the best in the world.
“We will do everything possible to strengthen this partnership,” he stated. “We will invest to ensure that ABUAD becomes more professional and ranks globally alongside universities like Cambridge and Harvard.”
Reflecting on how he and former South African President Nelson Mandela were recently recognized as the most successful self-made men by the University of London, Afe Babalola expressed his determination to contribute to societal progress, particularly through high-quality education.
He also called for collaborations with the US and Europe in manufacturing drugs developed at ABUAD’s research center using African herbs. He emphasized that these locally sourced remedies are stronger, more potent, and more effective than those produced abroad.
Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) is actively seeking investment and partnerships to further its development and expand its contributions to the agricultural and industrial sectors.
During a recent visit from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), ABUAD’s founder, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, emphasized the university’s need for private investors and grants from donor agencies.
Highlighting his own personal journey, Babalola shared how he overcame educational limitations to achieve success. He noted that Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, was also recognized as an outstanding student who achieved academic excellence through correspondence courses.
Babalola emphasized ABUAD’s significant achievement in developing a certified herbal product to combat viruses. He stressed the potency and effectiveness of herbal-based drugs compared to modern capsules and called for international collaboration in the manufacturing of such products.
Expressing gratitude for IITA’s visit and the long-standing partnership, Babalola attributed ABUAD’s impressive infrastructure and development to IITA’s influence.