Afe Babalola Urges Wealthy Nigerians to Invest in Education and Health
Aare Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in Ado Ekiti, has called on wealthy Nigerians to invest more in education and healthcare, following the example of his university and the ABUAD Multi-System Hospital.
Babalola highlighted that his institutions have made significant progress in providing quality education, healthcare services, and medical training, and reducing the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for medical care. He said this while hosting a nine-member delegation of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), led by NMA 1st Vice President, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu.
He emphasized that many rich Nigerians could do more to help the country by supporting education, noting that some of the world’s leading universities were founded by non-graduates. Babalola encouraged Nigerians to be generous and help those in need.
“There are many Nigerians who do not know what they will eat today,” Babalola said. “A simple act of giving, like paying a neighbour’s school fees or offering N10,000 to someone hungry, can change lives. These small acts make society better.”
Dr. Olowojebutu praised Babalola for his dedication to healthcare and medical education. He described ABUAD and its 400-bed hospital as impressive examples of philanthropy and innovation. The NMA leader noted the hospital’s clean facilities, functional Radiology Department with two MRI machines, Dialysis Centre with affordable charges, and oxygen production capabilities that benefit other hospitals as well.
“What Aare Afe Babalola has done shows love for his people and commitment to progress,” Olowojebutu said. “His work deserves support and recognition, especially as he has chosen Ekiti State, not a major city, to achieve all of this. His example should be emulated.”
ABUAD Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, also commended Babalola for transforming healthcare and medical education in Nigeria. She said his contributions to society deserved full support, which is essential to ease the current doctor-patient burden in the country.
Babalola’s message is a reminder to all wealthy Nigerians that investing in education and health not only changes individual lives but also strengthens the nation’s future.
