The new charge comes on the heels of ABUAD's outstanding performance in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, where the university emerged as Nigeria's highest-ranked institution and was placed among the top 72 universities globally for sustainability impact.
Speaking through the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, during a press conference in Ado-Ekiti on the 2026 Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings, Babalola said the latest achievement should serve as motivation rather than a destination.
Olarinde recalled that the university's journey to global prominence was driven by a vision conceived over a decade ago.
She said: “Following the publication of the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, barely one year ago, I vividly recall the reference made to a profound conversation between the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, and our revered Founder and Chancellor in 2015.
“Filled with admiration for Aare Babalola’s extraordinary accomplishments, Justice Tanko Muhammad remarked, ‘You have earned a distinguished name, amassed remarkable success and wealth, and achieved what many can only dream of. What more could you possibly desire?’
“With characteristic vision and tireless ambition, our Founder, the visionary Chancellor, replied that his greatest aspiration was to see Afe Babalola University ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. To the glory of God, that dream became a reality in 2025.”
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the founder believes that every milestone should inspire an even greater pursuit of excellence.
She continued: “Yet, true visionaries are never content with yesterday’s successes. Following the announcement of this year’s Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings, our revered Founder and the Bamofin of Yorubaland, Aare Afe Babalola, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God and to every member of the ABUAD community whose dedication and hard work made this remarkable achievement possible.
“He then challenged us, once again, with an even higher aspiration: that ABUAD should continue its upward trajectory and secure a place among the world’s top 50 universities.
“That vision has now become our renewed resolve. Judging by the remarkable progress we have recorded over the years, I have every confidence that, with God’s grace and the collective efforts of our staff, students, alumni, stakeholders, and partners, ABUAD will attain that milestone in the not-too-distant future.”
Highlighting the factors responsible for the university's impressive global standing, Olarinde stressed that the achievement was the result of deliberate planning, visionary leadership and sustained investment in quality education.
She said: “These accomplishments did not happen by accident.
“They are products of visionary leadership, strategic planning, institutional discipline, resilient governance, staff commitment, the steadfast support of our students, parents, partners, and stakeholders.
“Here are the main key pillars driving our success story, with some already captured: Full accreditation of all programmes by the NUC and relevant professional bodies; Over 70 institutional partnerships within and outside Nigeria; State-of-the-art laboratories, workshops and research facilities.”
The Vice-Chancellor also listed several unique initiatives that have continued to distinguish the institution from its peers.
According to her, “other factors included the most advanced computational platform for drug design and research in Nigeria; Mandatory professional certifications for students alongside their degree programmes.
“Mandatory proficiency training in foreign languages such as Chinese and French. And compulsory training in indigenous languages (Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa).
“Stable academic calendar and uninterrupted power supply through our Independent Power Plant and Solar System; A functional Planetarium for compulsory Space Studies; Extensive scholarship programmes for indigent and outstanding students.
“The Founder’s continued prioritisation of staff and students’ welfare, including the upward review of salaries and allowances across all staff cadres. This is in addition to uninterrupted regular salary payment since inception (4th of January, 2010).”
The latest ranking further reinforces ABUAD's growing international reputation in higher education, particularly in sustainability, innovation, research, quality teaching and institutional development. University officials expressed optimism that with sustained commitment from management, staff, students and development partners, the institution is well-positioned to achieve its next ambitious goal of joining the world's top 50 universities.