Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has expressed deep concern over the continued discrimination against women in Nigeria. Speaking at the university’s event for the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration, Babalola noted that gender inequality remains a major issue in the country, especially in education and leadership.
The legal icon recalled his early education in 1937, when only five girls were in his class of 25 students, and just one completed the full eight-year program. He noted that while progress has been made over the years, there is still a long way to go in ensuring that women receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.
Babalola shared an interesting revelation, saying that at one point, he considered making ABUAD a university for girls only. He explained that this thought came as a result of the overwhelming academic excellence demonstrated by female students at the institution.
“Most interestingly, during convocation ceremonies, those who come up with First Class in all courses are women, in the ratio of about nine girls to just one boy. It is such that, at a time, it once occurred to me that I should change the university to a girls-only university,” he said.
He further noted that in a deliberate effort to promote gender balance, ABUAD has appointed women to key positions, including the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, and Librarian, among others. According to him, these women have performed excellently in their respective roles, proving that given the right opportunities, women can thrive in leadership positions.
Babalola also spoke on the global struggle for women’s rights, tracing the history of International Women’s Day to movements in the late 19th century. He noted that the celebration is a reminder of the need for continuous efforts toward gender equality.
He called on women in Africa and around the world to actively participate in politics, lamenting that their limited involvement has prevented them from securing positions where they can advocate for their rights. He also stressed the importance of compulsory education for girls and the need for a constitution that ensures fairness and justice for all, regardless of gender or religion.
Supporting Babalola’s stance, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, the UN Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, noted that women play a vital role in societal development. She encouraged women to be firm in their pursuit of equality and thanked Babalola and ABUAD for their support in advancing women’s rights.
Similarly, the Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, praised the current administration in Ekiti for being gender-friendly. She pointed out that several key government positions, including those of the Deputy Governor, Accountant General, and several lawmakers, are held by women.
Earlier in the event, ABUAD’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, described the university as a leading institution in promoting gender equity, thanks to the vision of its founder.
