The Federal Ministry of Education has extended warm congratulations to the founder and chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, and the entire academic community, following the university’s groundbreaking inclusion in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.
In an official statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, and released on June 28, 2025, the Ministry celebrated ABUAD’s placement at 84th position globally, 3rd in Africa, and 1st in Nigeria—a prestigious spot the university has impressively held for four consecutive years (2022–2025).
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, CON, in a congratulatory letter to Aare Babalola, commended the legal luminary and education visionary for transforming a national aspiration into a globally acknowledged success. “Your accomplishment is not only a personal triumph but a national milestone,” the Minister wrote. He reflected on how a dream once shared with former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Tanko Mohammed, has now materialised on an international platform.
Dr. Alausa also lauded the dedication and professionalism of ABUAD’s academic and non-academic workforce, stating that the milestone underscores the power of focused leadership, unwavering excellence, and a shared commitment to service.
“This historic ranking is a strong signal that Nigerian universities, when purpose-driven, can compete and lead globally,” the Minister stated.
The Ministry described the ranking not just as a cause for celebration but a call to further national service, urging institutions across Nigeria to draw inspiration from ABUAD’s example. The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with forward-thinking institutions to promote innovation, enhance research output, and drive sustainable educational development nationwide.
“This achievement is a catalyst for the Nigerian education sector. It affirms that with quality, integrity, and vision, our universities can shape global futures,” the statement concluded.
The Ministry pledged continued support to ABUAD and encouraged the university to sustain its culture of excellence while blazing a path for others to follow.
EduTimes Africa celebrates this monumental achievement and joins stakeholders across the continent in applauding ABUAD’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and global impact.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
