Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has emphasized that only quality education can restore Africa’s rightful place in global affairs.
Speaking at a public lecture in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, organized in honor of a visiting delegation from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa, Babalola lamented the continent’s decline despite its historical contributions to civilization.
“The first civilization did not begin in Europe, Australia, Britain, or America—it started in Africa. The earliest advancements in mathematics and science originated here. But along the way, we lost our footing. Why? I do not know,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal journey, the legal luminary noted that he once believed Europe was superior to Africa but later realized through education that Africa has the potential to reclaim its prominence. “Through education, we can regain our global standing, and that is why our collaboration with Durban University is vital,” he added.
In his lecture, The Future Africa Should Claim in Global Affairs, Professor Fulufhelo Netswera, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at DUT, urged Africa to take responsibility for its own development.
“Africa has the most arable land in the world, yet it imports food from small countries like Ukraine. That must stop. We possess vast mineral wealth and powerful rivers like the Congo and the Nile, capable of generating enough electricity to power the continent. With abundant solar energy, we have all we need to be self-sufficient,” he stated.
Professor Netswera stressed that Africa’s underdevelopment is largely due to internal failings but also warned against multinational corporations exploiting the continent’s resources. “Africans must take charge of their destiny while remaining vigilant against external forces determined to suppress progress,” he cautioned.
ABUAD’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Smeranda Olarinde, highlighted the ongoing collaboration between ABUAD and DUT, which began with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on August 31, 2021. This partnership has facilitated joint research, academic exchanges, and postgraduate opportunities for ABUAD staff at DUT.
“As part of this initiative, 23 ABUAD staff members have been sponsored for postgraduate studies at DUT, with six set to complete their programs this year. This speaks volumes about the resilience and excellence of our academic community,” she remarked.
The event underscored the importance of education and strategic partnerships in positioning Africa as a key player in global affairs.
