Oyebanji gave the commendation on Wednesday at the university’s 14th convocation ceremony, where he highlighted Babalola’s support for the completion of the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Airport.
The governor disclosed that the renowned educationist and legal luminary financed key facilities at the airport, including control tower equipment and the construction of a car park, describing his intervention as instrumental to the project’s operational readiness.
He also praised Babalola’s enduring commitment to societal development, describing him as a visionary whose achievements continue to inspire younger generations and leaders.
Oyebanji further commended ABUAD for its sustained performance in the higher education sector, particularly its recognition in sustainability rankings. He said the university’s consistent achievements reflected a commitment to excellence rather than temporary success.
According to him, the institution has established itself as a benchmark for academic excellence through its contributions to teaching, research and community service.
Addressing the graduands, Oyebanji congratulated them on completing their studies in what he described as a demanding academic environment, urging them to uphold the university’s values and become worthy ambassadors in their chosen professions.
He encouraged the graduates to embrace creativity, innovation, adaptability and practical thinking as they prepare to navigate an increasingly competitive employment market.
The governor noted that the changing global economy required graduates to look beyond the knowledge acquired in the classroom and apply their expertise to emerging opportunities and skills gaps.
He also urged them to adapt intelligently to the growing influence of artificial intelligence, stressing the need to continually reassess the skills and services valued in the evolving world of work.
Oyebanji advised the graduates to remain curious and committed to lifelong learning to stay relevant as technology transforms industries and professional practices.
“In a world and a state of permanent effluxion, one needs to be creative, dynamic, adaptive and pragmatic to cope,” he said.
He added that the value of their degrees would be demonstrated by their ability to innovate and apply their knowledge to emerging needs that might not have been fully anticipated by their academic curricula.
“As the world gets led by the artificial intelligence revolution, you also need to intelligently revolutionise the reality of what services and skills get valued in the new world. In a short word, keep the antenna of your curiosity alive and keep learning to fit in,” the governor said.
The governor also celebrated Babalola’s conferment of honorary doctoral degrees by two international universities in Canada and the United States, describing the honours as recognition of his contributions to human capital development in Nigeria and beyond.
He said Babalola’s commitment to improving lives remained unwavering despite his advanced age, adding that his continued recognition at home and abroad reflected the significance of his contributions to society.
Oyebanji expressed admiration for the chancellor’s determination to leave society better than he found it.
In her opening address, ABUAD Vice-Chancellor, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, reminded the new graduates that the quality of education they had received came with a responsibility to society.
She said the university’s academic and moral training was intended to produce graduates capable of critical thinking, upholding integrity and demonstrating diligence in their respective professions.
Olarinde urged graduates across different disciplines to place compassion and social responsibility at the centre of their professional lives.
She challenged engineers to prioritise safety in their designs, healthcare professionals to protect patients’ dignity, and law graduates to uphold justice.
The vice-chancellor stressed that personal and professional success should be accompanied by a commitment to serving the wider community.
She also expressed appreciation to parents for their sacrifices, trust and sustained financial support in providing their children with an education.
