Afe Babalola urges the FG to shut down substandard educational institutions.

Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has urged the federal government to immediately close all substandard universities, polytechnics, and educational centers across the country.

Babalola argued that these substandard institutions have caused significant damage to the nation’s education system and overall development.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, while being conferred with the fellowship of King’s College, London, for his transformative contributions to education and society, Babalola emphasized the need for the National Universities Commission (NUC) to focus on institutions not meeting approved standards and requirements.

He described these substandard institutions as ‘major threats’ to quality and functional education in Nigeria and globally.

“The biggest menace to quality education today, especially in Nigeria and across Africa, is the proliferation of substandard institutions and campuses, including study centers that have deviated from their original purpose,” Babalola said.

He called on the NUC to shut down such ‘mushroom universities,’ noting that many have been declared illegal yet continue to operate without NUC approval.

“I recall the NUC once published a list of these illegal institutions. Why don’t they arrest the owners, close them down, and hold their staff accountable in court? Instead, new ones are emerging every day.”

Professor Funmi Olonisakin, Vice President, International Engagement and Service of King’s College, London, stated that the fellowship awarded to Babalola recognized his transformative contributions to society.

“We are here to award the fellowship of King’s College, London to Aare Afe Babalola, in recognition of his significant contributions to society and King’s College,” she said.

Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the state’s Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, praised Babalola’s achievements in medicine, law, invention, and sciences, acknowledging his impact across various sectors.

In her welcome address, ABUAD Vice Chancellor Professor Smaranda Olarinde thanked King’s College, London for honoring Babalola, noting that the recognition was well-deserved given his contributions to education and other fields.