Abuja | June 27, 2025 — The Federal Ministry of Education has congratulated Aare Afe Babalola, the Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), along with the entire academic and non-academic staff, on the university’s historic ranking among the top 100 universities in the world.
This was contained in a statement signed on 28th June 2025 by Boriowo Folasade Director, Press and Public Relations Federal Ministry of Education
The statement reads, in the recently released 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, ABUAD achieved an unprecedented feat, placing 84th globally, 3rd in Africa, and 1st in Nigeria a position it has retained for four consecutive years (2022–2025).
In a formal letter addressed to Aare Afe Babalola, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, CON, commended the legal icon and education pioneer for translating a national vision into a global achievement.
“Your accomplishment is not only a personal triumph but a national milestone,” the Minister wrote.
“It is inspiring to witness your dream, once shared with the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Tanko Mohammed, come to life on a global platform during your lifetime.”
Dr. Alausa also praised the unwavering commitment and professionalism of ABUAD’s entire workforce, noting that the global recognition would not have been possible without the collective efforts of the university’s staff.
“This historic ranking is a testament to what focused vision, consistent excellence, and passionate service can achieve. You have shown that Nigerian universities can compete and lead on the world stage,” he said.
The Ministry described the recognition not merely as a cause for celebration, but as a call to further service. According to Dr. Alausa, ABUAD’s achievement should inspire renewed dedication to building a functional, globally competitive, and transformative education sector in Nigeria.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to support forward-thinking institutions, the Minister expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with ABUAD and similar universities to advance innovation, research, and sustainable educational development nationwide.
“This achievement is a catalyst for the entire Nigerian education system. It reinforces the importance of quality and excellence in building institutions that can shape global futures,” the statement added.
The Honourable Minister concluded by extending the warmest regards and continued support of the Federal Ministry of Education to Aare Afe Babalola and the ABUAD community, urging them to sustain their legacy of excellence and continue blazing the trail in higher education.
