The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, has praised Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) for its significant contributions to agriculture and the industrial sector, emphasizing its role in ensuring food security across Nigeria. This recognition came during a courtesy visit by IITA’s Deputy Director General, Dr. Kenton Dashiell, who expressed a desire to strengthen collaboration with the university.

Dr. Dashiell highlighted the substantial investments made by Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the founder of ABUAD, in agricultural development and community service. He noted, “We will do everything possible to make sure this partnership grows stronger. We will invest to see this university become more professional and ranked globally among institutions like Cambridge and Harvard.”

ALSO READ: NANS Condemns UI Tuition Hike, Calls for Federal Government Intervention

Afe Babalola, reflecting on his and former South African President Nelson Mandela’s recognition as top self-made men by the University of London, emphasized his commitment to societal development through quality education. He also sought partnerships from the US and Europe for drug manufacturing utilizing African herbs, which he claims are more effective than their overseas counterparts.

In addition to calling for private investment and grants to support ABUAD’s initiatives, Babalola shared the university’s achievements in producing herbal-based products to combat viruses, asserting their superiority over conventional medicine. He expressed the need for continued collaboration with IITA, attributing the university’s impressive facilities and structure to their longstanding partnership, which he likened to a “London in Nigeria.”