A Model Institution with Global Standards
The Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Michel Deelen, has praised Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), as a model institution whose academic and technological standards match those of leading universities worldwide. His visit to the university over the weekend provided an opportunity to commend the founder, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, for raising educational standards in Nigeria through visible leadership and development within a short period.
Deelen expressed admiration for ABUAD’s infrastructure, academic innovation, and self-sustaining systems. He noted that the university’s high-tech facilities and commitment to quality education serve as an example for Africa’s development efforts. During a tour of the university’s colleges, industrial park, and the Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital (AMSH), Deelen was impressed by what the institution has achieved in less than 16 years.
He highlighted the importance of education to national development, stressing that Nigeria’s progress is closely tied to investment in human capital. Deelen also spoke about the need to balance national priorities across agriculture, technology, and industry, referencing the Netherlands’ growth as the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter despite having only a small percentage of its population in farming.
A Vision for Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
Deelen emphasized that his mission in Nigeria focuses on collaboration, trade, and knowledge exchange, adding that his visit to ABUAD aligns with that goal. He shared some observations about the university, stating, “ABUAD reminds me of an American university because the first thing you see when you drive in is a sports field. The university is so self-sufficient, with a high level of technology and that influences the way students are being taught.”
He further remarked, “I have never seen such an amazing teaching hospital in Nigeria, the Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital is truly high-tech. The colleges here are impressive, the Industrial Park is impressive, these create an environment where education thrives. I am honored to see all these great achievements within such a short time.”
Deelen also reflected on past discussions about increasing collaboration with Nigeria. “About ten years ago, when the Netherlands was considering how best to increase collaboration with Nigeria, my Nigerian friends told me, ‘If there’s one thing you can focus on, it’s education. The rest we will build ourselves.’ That makes being here today even more meaningful, because education remains the primary stepping stone for building a nation.”
A Call to Action for Students
He urged students to see education not only as a route to personal advancement but also as a responsibility to contribute to their communities and Nigeria’s development. “Nigerian doctors are sought after all over the world because they can operate even without constant electricity. If you can thrive under difficult circumstances, you become more robust, more determined and a go-getter. You, the students here, are the future builders of your country,” he added.
Collaboration and Future Initiatives
In his remarks, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, called for collaboration with the Netherlands to boost investment in ABUAD’s industrial park and research laboratory. He also invited the envoy to partner with the university in its medical research initiatives.
Babalola mentioned that the university had ventured into producing herbal capsules and syrups as part of efforts to position Nigeria as the first country in Africa to manufacture vaccines through a university-led effort.
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