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Ekiti State Government has expressed readiness to partner with Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti in the area of entrepreneurial development to boost the state’s Knowledge Economy agenda.
The State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi stated this during an appreciation visit to the founder of the University, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN in the university.
Fayemi who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Biodun Omoleye hailed the founder of ABUAD and commended him for sustaining the existing relationship between the government and the institution, describing it as “a model in town and gown relationship.”
He described the vision of the founder of the institution, Afe Babalola as enviable, adding that the school has become a reference point not only in Africa but also in other parts of the world.
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Omoleye said, ” Going forward we would also want to partner with you in the area of entrepreneurial development. We have noticed the giant strides that your institution is making in affecting young people’s lives, these days you want to produce graduates that are all-rounder not only in academics but in skill acquisition and this is the kind of skill acquisition that I am seeing in the 21st century properly define entrepreneurship package.
“This school is reputed for excellence and we are proud that this school is cited in Ekiti state. We are particularly honoured by the news across the globe about the several breakthroughs from this university. The school has become a reference point not only in Africa but in the entire world. The vision and mission of the founder is enviable and there are a lot of legacies to be appreciated.
“We believe the establishment of a knowledge Academy will enhance the relevance of ABUAD and other relevant academic institutions in Ekiti state. We are also committed to bringing about the cargo airport that we are constructing we believe this will further help your university.”
Responding, the founder who was represented by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Smaranda Olarinde, described Ekiti state as the land of fame which has been brought on a higher pedestal by the institution and with the cooperation of the state government.
“We cannot do it alone, as you have highlighted some of the areas of cooperation we are very delighted and I want to let you know that we have also earmarked more areas where we can do more,” she said.