Boss Picks
Why I Should Be Governor of Lagos State – Adetokunbo Pearse, SDP Governorship Candidate
By Eric Elezuo
With most parties beating INEC’s deadline to submit the list of their parties’ candidates for the 2019 general elections, one man and his party seems very certain of wrestling power from the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State. He is Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In this interview, the don revealed his mastercard to silence the ‘big’ parties and candidates. Excerpts:
May we please know you?
I am Adetokunbo Pierce, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party for Lagos State.
That’s a huge one, just one more step to becoming the governor of Lagos State. How does that make you feel?
I have always had ideas of what I think Lagos should be; what elected officials should do and how they should behave; improve and construct infrastructures to make Lagos a better state, not just in Nigeria but in the world. Much as I am not overtly ambitious to make it a do or die affair, I believe that the truth will prevail and if I am the one to make the life of Lagosians better, then I will get into office.
As you have gained the ticket to run for SDP, what are your antecedents? What credentials do you have to present to the people of Lagos State?
I’m coming from the academic background. I am an intellectual I have been a teacher for 35 years now; 20 years teaching in the American university, about 12 years teaching at the University of Lagos, and before, then I was in the administrative arm as Secretary to the Admission Committee at the Bayero University, Kano.
I have also been involved in many political endeavours both in the US and here in Nigeria. For instance, I was a Political Consultant to former President George Bush Jnr. In the same vein, I was political consultant to Senator Hillary Clinton when she was running for the Senate. In 2004, I also ran for Congress in Brooklyn District 11 in New York. So I have quite a number of experiences and a pile of work done.
I returned to Nigeria to support my good friend, Funso Williams in his governorship bid but then unfortunately, two weeks after my return he was killed. It was then that Chief Bode George invited, and told me that he knows all the good work I have done in the United States and wanted me to support him. I was with Mrs Funso Williams as her campaign manager; she was then the preferred candidate at the time. So, we went for the primaries and Mrs. Williams won and we had been told then in PDP that if a candidate wins by simple majority, he/she has won. When Mrs. Williams won they said there was going to be a run-off between her and the person who came second. We went into that one again and she won. Mrs. Williams read her speech, she was heard by all and sundry, the media carried it and some days later we heard the election had been overturned.
Feeling very cheated, many of us were invited to APC or rather ACN at that time by Bola Ahmed Tinubu who approached us with the argument that we had been cheated in PDP and he was offering us a better platform. That was not really the major reason I went. It was actually because my good friend, Mr. Babatunde Fashola was running for the post of Lagos governor then and I felt here was an opportunity to help someone I know very well. Moreover, Fashola himself had called me and asked me to help with his campaign. He actually told me that Tinubu who was the then governor had told him to go and look for his own people and he called me as I was one of the most experienced persons he could think of, so now I was in ACN with a number of bigwigs; Gbajabiamila (Femi), Tinubu (Bola Ahmed), Mamora (Olurunimbe), Bayo Williams amongst others.
We know you were recently in the PDP, what led to your decision to move to SDP?
At the December 9, 2017 National Convention of the PDP where we were to elect a new national chairman, there was a truckload of problems. Already, in Port Harcourt, Modu-Sheriff had been announced as the chairman and that created fallout and split the party into two because Senator Ahmed Markafi was announced winner also. I took sides with Modu-Sheriff because I felt if this man was to be removed as the Chairman, it must be done democratically. You can’t just wake up and say this man is no longer the Chairman.
Between 2013 and 2014, even early 2015, there was so much acrimony in the party then, the Markafi group were against the Modu-Sheriff group. I was the Publicity Manager for the Modu-Sheriff group in Lagos state and I would go to the media and say things about the Markafi group and the Markafi group would do the same. Then I thought about it, this cannot be healthy for the party and if this continues, we would all sink. And we were so divided, so weak that during the 2015 election, the fabrication called APC was able to defeat us.
Now, after the Supreme Court injunction which recognized Markafi as the chairman and gave him power, I thought now this feud is over, let us all line up beside Markafi and support him but the Markafi group were not dignified in victory, and began to punish everyone from the Modu-Sheriff group. At that point, I said I was not going to support anybody, I would go back to being a Political analyst.
Then we were going to have the election for National Chairman and I felt that this could integrate us back together. I was the Spokesperson for Tunde Adeniran who was then contesting for the position of national chairman. So, there was a meeting and it was stated that the Chairman should come from the South, we from the South then had a meeting and in that meeting we felt that the chairman should come from the South-West because South-South had just been president and national chairman but Governor Wike of Rivers state disagreed and said it was going to be from the South-South and it was going to be Secondus (Uche). We had the national convention and Secondus emerged after a crude and unfair electoral process.
We then went to them and said we have run a good race, we have done our best, now please give us a role to play but Wike and Secondus said no, South-West has not contributed anything to the growth of the party and we could go to blazes. So, Jerry Gana and Adeniran, the founding fathers of the party decided it was time to leave and I felt if my leaders are leaving, what would I be doing, hence I came to the Social Democratic Party and I have not regretted that decision ever since.
Here is a party built on the ideology of democracy, committed to building and growing a new and formidable Nigeria in all ramifications.
Okay Sir! Returning to Lagos state, how do you and your party, the SDP plan to wrestle power from the incumbent APC and the major opposition, the PDP?
First of all, the reason why the PDP has not been able to win governorship elections in Lagos state, going to 20 years now is because of the disunity in the party, the imposition of candidate and the lack of communication between the national leaders and the state chapter. All these things are absent in the SDP, we are a united party and there is fellowship and brotherhood and because of all this we are hopeful of emerging victorious.
As for the APC, the reason we are going to defeat them is because they have failed at the national and state levels. Even the party itself has come out to say its current governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode is a failure, very myopic, short-sighted and vindictive, and the people are looking for a change which is myself and the Social Democratic Party, and we are coming with great vision for social welfare, free education, free healthcare, affordable housing, mass transportation and we are going to argue with the Federal Government on devolution of power; that the state must have control over its natural resources. You cannot take money from here and use it to develop other areas where the leaders are not ready for development. What that does is create loss of confidence in state’s ability to work for itself.
Ondo state is a good example; with the third largest deposit of bitumen in the world but they cannot touch it. I remember listening to Governor Segun Mimiko some years back complaining bitterly about it; it makes no sense. When I get there, I would get the other governors to see things from this angle and we would raise our voice against the Federal Government.
Also, the extravagance of APC governors where they spend lavishly and live like emperors would stop; we would fight against that kind of attitude. It would be more money for the people and more money for investment.
It has been said that Tinubu exerts a lot of influence in Lagos State and his influence even goes to the grassroots with structures to garner support, even to asking a sitting governor to step down. How can you match that?
Point of correction, influence in APC not in Lagos State and he can ask a sitting governor to step down because he belongs to his party and he is his puppet. Now, he has brought Sanwo-Olu who I called Sanwo-Bola because he has come as a puppet to serve Tinubu, so Tinubu’s power is just in his party. If Tinubu was so strong, how come Jimi Agbaje with a divided PDP at that time almost defeated Ambode. You would find out that all their candidates are always weak and vulnerable and when they face a united SDP, they will crumble.
Tinubu and his party are not as strong as they seem, look at Ekiti State, inconclusive same as Osun State before they finally did their rigging and malpractice to win. So, a party with all the federal power and still struggling to get the people’s backing says a lot. If they come to Lagos State, they will fail and falter. People are tired of the congestion and gridlocks on the road because the governor cannot say to the Federal Government we do not want all these trucks on our road. People are tired of living in houses that are worse than what people lived in 50 years ago. People want a situation where the said change is obvious and imminent. Tinubu is not going to win the election with all his rigging and evil machinations because 2019 is going to be the voice of the people. Since Fashola left, the party has been failing, look at the roads, no attention to sanitation. Think of the tollgates, for example, the one at Lekki, the fee is ridiculous. If you forget something at home and you have to go back, you would be spending about a thousand naira, that is unfair and a crime against humanity. What of those earning 30,000 naira or below? And even if you must collect that much money, there must be a social consciousness to help those who cannot afford that much.
I understand that these days the commissioners cannot sign a cheque of 5million naira, who is signing it then? The governor or an autocrat? These are some of the things that must change, so at SDP, we are promising to change the change. Who told you that you have more knowledge than the commissioner for housing? My commissioners are going to be real commissioners not somebody’s puppet and you would live in your own house. Jakande lived in his own house; no one is buying any house for you. I would live in my own house so these monies can be channeled into something more productive.
What of all the quarters meant for them?
We would find a way to turn it into income yielding for the state. The key we are going to follow is no wastage. If you are travelling, no first class, you go by coach. Money must be used for something responsible and useful, things that the public can see.
With SDP being a relatively new party, how do you plan to muster enough voter education to get people to know about your party and vote for you?
It is not really a new party, it was the party of MKO Abiola and it has even been there before the PDP, so we are just coming in from the PDP to reinvigorate and re-energize the party. It is not a new party; it was even the party of Ahmed Tinubu at one point, so it is a big party. We have structures in 185 wards out of the 200 plus in the state, so we are on ground with officials in every local government and we have people running in varied offices.
Another point of interest is the Presidential candidate the SDP is presenting. A man known for decency, performance and achievement; a man whose track record is difficult to match – Dr. Donald Duke. You know with Duke at the centre, my likes of me at the states, life will just return to the fullest for Nigerians. No presidential candidate as we have them today can deliver better than Dr. Donald Duke!
Many people might not be in consonance with the APC at the moment but word has it that your party liaised and supported the APC in the Osun state governorship election. How do you tell people that you want to oust a party that you recently supported?
We did not support them. It was a singular decision by our candidate, Iyiola Omisore to support the APC; we had no hand in it. People will recall that the national chairman, Chief Olu Falaye came out the next day to distance the party from that alignment. Also, I put it to you that the actions of the APC to Omisore were criminally inclined, how can you say if someone supports you, their EFCC problems are over, that they can be above the law, that his passport that had been seized by the EFCC would be returned and he would be given a ticket to the senate. The problem here is not with Omisore but with the APC and this shows you how criminally inclined the party is. The APC has become a refuge for shaddy characters and history will prove us right, and Buhari is the leader, himself a pretentious hypocrite.
This is why when the issue of Adeleke’s school certificate issue came out; because he himself doesn’t have a certificate, he said forget it. We said it from the onset that this is not the person to lead this nation in the right direction. Look at Senator Godswill Akpabio; the moment he left the PDP to join the APC, he becomes a hero. No one is talking of all the money he embezzled in Akwa-Ibom for which he was brought in by the APC led EFCC and then he became the leader of the PDP in Senate after money had exchanged hand and for three years, he said nothing. Even Musiliu Obanikoro; from the moment he went to APC, no more talks of the four billion naira he was accused of stealing, even those accused of murder just switch to the APC and that is the end. These are the things that people know and we are saying 2019 is going to be the time to let the people’s vote count and if that happens, APC is out of the national and state governments, and we can start building our country again.
Who knows this new man they brought for governor? What pedigree does he have? Nobody knows this guy and even his own party has said things about him that disqualify him. My fight is against two-faced people and if you vote for me, my concern is for the grassroots people, the everyday people, the common people and how we can make their life better.
If you get elected, what would be your major area of concentration, what part would receive paramount attention?
Every area is of paramount important. However, it is my wish to create a drainage system so that when it rains, the water will flow into the canals and into the water bodies. Reason being is that with poor road, when it rains, you are in deep trouble of where to pass and where not to and time is money. The drainage is what spoils the road and they have to keep on redoing it, houses become water-logged and collapse because the roads are bad, we would endeavour to eliminate that and make every place neat and free of flood.
We will work on sanitation and create a new and revamped Lagos. Lagos is an island and for me it is wastefulness and foolishness to focus on building bus stops that immediately the rain comes become useless. We have not utilized our water ways effectively and we must work with other states including Ogun and Oyo to make our state a home for all and sundry.
The antidote to poverty is education and UNESCO suggests that 26% of the budget should be on education. The Federal Government of this administration spends as low as 7% on education and that is a crime because you have destroyed the future of the child. We are going to make sure that school becomes so conducive and children are willing to go to school. Our leaders have been so negligent of the plight of the masses and all that must change. How can you be driving in the most expensive vehicles around? You, a civil servant? Those things must change. They said food in school which is just rice and oil. We will train teachers, reconstruct buildings and make all the difference. How can there be no books in schools? We do not teach History. Our curricula are ancient and antique; when we come in, we would engage the Federal Government for a change.
We are prepared to serve and serve the people we will.
Thank you very much for your time.
Thank you
By Eric Elezuo
The tears were palpable. The grief was tangible, and emotions ran high as the 41 years old, Philip Neilson Charles Taylor Jr, son of former President of Liberia, Charles Ghankay Taylor, and former Vice President of Liberia, Jewel Howard-Taylor, was laid to rest in Monrovia, Liberia.
The events, which gathered and reunited the best of Liberian elites, spanned an activity-filled four days, creating an atmosphere of united-in-grief.
With two former presidents, Mrs Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Dr. George Opong Weah, joining the incumbent president, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, in solidarity with the parents of the deceased, who also were top executive members of government at different levels and different times, the atmosphere was quickly charged with the colours of Liberia, and the tears of a nation greatly bereaved.
Born on September 2, 1984, the young Charles Taylor lived till January 20, 2026, when he succumbed to a respiratory ailment at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia, Liberia. He was aged 41, and survived by his mum and dad, and five children among brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, and other relatives. He was the only child of his mum, Mrs. Howard-Taylor.
He was a graduate of Political Science from the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences of the African Methodist Episcopal University, and a recipient of many awards, cutting across orthodox, academic and social cares.
The funeral obsequies kicked off in earnest on Wednesday at the County Administrative Building Gbarnga City, Bong County, Liberia, where dignitaries gathered to eulogise life and times in what appeared to be a Service of Songs and Tributes, in addition to Lying-in-State of the beloved of the son, after the initial removal from A. Stryker Funeral Home. The body three other stops at diverse locations before returning.
Conducted by General Overseer & Founder
Peace Praise Full Gospel Church, Apostle Dr. Lucy C. H. Bulgar, with the theme, “THE GRAVE AWAITS YOU”, the solemn dovetailed into sections of quiet eulogy, praises, songs and special presentations.
Taking his text from II Corinthians 5: 10, which says For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad, and Hebrews 9: 27, which says, And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment, Apostle Bulgar led the congregation through redecorating themselves to God as death is inevitable.
With Life Reflections of deceased read by his son, Charles Ghankay Taylor IV, the floor was opened for high profile tributes by the Liberian President, Vice President, Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, former presidents Sirleaf and Weah, the National 55th Legislature, Chairman, Ovation Media Group and former Presidential Candidate, Chief Dele Momodu, Founder, African Women Leadership Organization, Hon. Elisha Attai.
Tributes were also received from major political parties; The National Patriotic Party of Liberia and The Mighty Congress for Democratic Chang as well as from churches, institutions, organisations, members of the immediate and extended families and his children.
Below are excerpts of the memorial tributes from the deceased’s parents:
A MOTHER’S MEMORIAL TRIBUTE BY JEWEL HOWARD-TAYLOR
My beloved son,
Philip Neilson Charles Taylor
There are no words strong enough to describe the pain of standing here today. No mother is ever prepared to say goodbye to her only child. You were my heart walking outside my body, my greatest blessing, and my deepest love.
Philip, from the moment you came into my life, you changed everything. You gave me purpose beyond measure and a love so pure it reshaped my soul. You were my joy in quiet moments, my pride in your growth, and my comfort in times when life felt overwhelming.
Your smile carried warmth. Your presence brought peace. Your spirit carried gentleness and strength all at once. You were thoughtful, kind, and full of promise. You loved deeply, and you were deeply loved. Losing you has left a space that nothing on this earth can fill.
As your mother, my heart is broken. There are days when the grief feels unbearable, when the silence where your laughter once lived feels too heavy to carry. Yet even in this pain, I remain grateful to God for the gift of you for every moment, every memory, every embrace, and every lesson you unknowingly taught me about love, patience, and faith.
Though your life on this earth was far too short, your impact was lasting. You mattered. You were seen. You were cherished. And you will never be forgotten. Philip, I release you now into God’s eternal arms, trusting that you are at peace, free from pain, resting in divine light. While I must walk this journey without you by my side, I carry you forever in my heart. Sleep on, my precious son.
Rest in eternal peace.
Until the day we meet again.
– Mama –
A FATHER’S TRIBUTE TO HIS SON BY CHARLES GHANKAY TAYLOR I
A TRIBUTE IN PRAYER FROM FORMER PRESIDENT H. E. DAHKPANHAN DR. CHARLES GHANKAY TAYLOR I, ON THE OCCASION OF THE LOST OF HIS BELOVED SON, PHILIP NEILSON CHARLES TAYLOR.
As we gather here today to celebrate the life of my son, Philip Neilsen Charles Taylor, let us begin with thanksgiving and blessing to the Most High God- the King of the Universe – the righteous Judge who is true and perfect in all His works. For all His ways are justice. He is a God of faithfulness, without iniquity, righteous and fair, and we thank Him for the blessings He bestowed upon Philip during his sojourn on this earth.
Now, let us bless the Lord our God. Blessed are You, O Lord my God, King of the Universe.
I thank You, the God of my forefathers, forever and ever. You are the Rock of my life and the Shield of my salvation from generation to generation. You are the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. You give us life, and You uphold us to continue to do Your will and to serve You wholeheartedly. Amen and Amen.
Philip… Philip…
Your father cannot be here today to say goodbye to you personally as you journey onward to your eternal home. But he has sent your sister, Charen Zally, to read these words so that you may know what is in his heart:
“My son, I love you. There were rocky and difficult steps along the way, but life itself is a battle. As you travel on, let not your soul be troubled. Your mother and I now release you into the infinite mercy and perfect will of the Lord God.
We forgive you for any time you may have angered us or sinned against us whether against our property, our honor, or in any way whether accidentally, carelessly, or intentionally; whether through speech, deed, thought, or intention; whether in this life or beyond. We forgive you fully.
May it be the will of the Lord our God and the God of our forefathers that whatever sins you may have committed before Him, may He, in His great mercy, forgive you, cleanse you, and receive your soul in peace.”
O God our Father, we plea that you blot out his transgressions in Your abundant mercies, but not through suffering as he journeys to Your eternal world. Amen.
Philip, our dearly beloved son, was a blessed young man. His father, Dr. Charles Ghankay Taylor, served as President of this glorious and blessed nation. His mother, Honorable Jewel Howard-Taylor, also served as Vice President at a different period, with great honor and distinction.
We bless God that Philip was given to us for a season and has now been summoned home to be with Him.
He is in a better place. And so, we are not here today to mourn without hope. I do not question the quality of the judgment of Almighty God.
Who can say to God, “What are You doing?” No one.
For God alone rules above and below. He gives life and permits death; He brings down to the grave and raises up.
O Most High God, You are righteous. You gave Philip to us, and You have taken him back. Blessed be Your holy name.
With righteousness in Your right hand and correction in Your left, You judge Your creation.
We accept Your judgment for you are the knower of all mysteries and keeper of all secrets.
And now O God our Rock, we plead for mercy. Do not set our iniquities before You.
O God, Relent your anger concerning us, Your servants. Let not our trespasses bring separation between You and us.
Have mercy on the remnant of our family, the flock of Your hand.
And say to the angel of death, “Hold back your hand.”
O God in your infinite mercy, show us your mercy and kindness, and do not erase our memory from before your throne.
To you alone we honor and glorify in Jesus precious name.
Amen.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, this is not a sight any parent should ever have to see.
It is a very, very bitter pill to swallow.
This pain is deep.
It is personal.
My grief is sharper because of many variables surrounding this loss.
I know that perhaps millions of people-here at home, in the diaspora, and across our world-have experienced this kind of sudden flood of unanticipated emotion and though I am not easily moved to tears, I must admit that I am overcome with deep grief.
It hurts. Yes, it truly hurts.
For Parents are not meant to bury the fruit of their own loins. It should be the other way around.
Yet God understands this mystery. He is just. He knows best.
To our families, I say: let us celebrate his life, because God alone knows the absolute truth about His creation. We, as human beings, understand only relative truth through our finite minds.
And perhaps more importantly, we must realize that Philip is not “dead,” but has been born into a new life with Almighty God.
Death, in its deepest sense, is not the end-even in the relative sense.
He is now journeying to higher planes of existence for ages upon ages. The universe is our home, and before the end of time, we will explore its farthest reaches.
Even now, we dwell within the infinite mind of Almighty God, and our possibilities remain infinite both in time and in space.
And at the end of the grand cycle of the ages, God will gather us unto Himself. Then we shall know the whole truth-the truth of being at one with Him.
Philip will be there. And we will meet again.
And I say to Jewel: we loved Philip deeply, but God loved him more and has called him home. Rest in your faith that it is well.
To Philip’s children, his brothers and sisters, his aunts, cousins, nieces, and all his extended family: I assure you that he is safe and protected with the Almighty – the “Knower of All Mysteries.”
In moments like this, we must examine ourselves in quiet retrospection. Reflection is necessary as we try to understand this great mystery of life and death. As it is often said: the past is a statement; the future is a question.
In closing, on behalf of our bereaved families all of them and in my own name, I extend heartfelt thanks; to the President of our nation, President Joseph Boakai and his family; members of his government; former officials of government, bishops, pastors, deacons, laymen and laywomen; the Imam and members of the Muslim community; our chiefs, elders, zoes, and our ancient ancestors the custodians of the land; and all the people of our unique Liberia, our “coat of many colors.”
We also thank nationals of foreign lands and members of the diplomatic community for their expressions of sympathy and condolences in this time of profound grief.
Shalom.
Rest in peace, Phil.
Rise in glory.
May flights of angels sing you to your rest.
Amen.
A TRIBUTE: WE CELEBRATE A UNIQUE AND EXTRAORDINARY SON – CHIEF DELE MOMODU
Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen. Due to time constraints, please, permit me to stand on already established protocols.
I have come from Nigeria to join families and friends of the TAYLORS OF LIBERIA, not to mourn and inter CHARLES TAYLOR JR., but to celebrate their unique and extraordinary son, an only child of my very dear friend and Sister, former Vice President, DR JEWEL HOWARD-TAYLOR, one of Africa’s most notable leaders of the 21st century.
In our grief, let’s not forget to thank God for this special gift. At 42, Charles has succeeded in reuniting the wonderful people of Liberia. Look around this gathering and see the array of the creme de la creme of society, the rich, the poor, there’s no discrimination. We are all one held together by Almighty God. That is the privilege Charles has granted us on this auspicious day. On a personal note, it has taken Charles to bring me back, the Kiazolu of Grand Cape Mount County, to Monrovia.
Let me leave this congregation with a food for thought. In celebrating Charles, let’s remember the popular Yoruba adage which tells us that the death that takes away our neighbours and contemporaries is only
reminding us that our own will come, sooner or later. The reason we must all make the world a better place…
Thank you and God bless the Republic of Liberia.
SHORTLY before the end of the service, the father of the deceased made a special of a song with the title, “Hold back the Night”, and which was rendered by a A joint assembly of the New Life Mission Choir and, The National Evangelical Mass Choir of Liberia.
The congregation was thereafter permitted to view the remains of Philip Neilson as the service came to an end.
The funeral rites continued the next day at Peace Praise Gospel Ministries, Barnesville Township, Montserrado County, Liberia, where the congregation erupted in more songs and tribute to the memory of the deceased.
On the night of the same day, a Wake Service was organised at the Harvest International Cathedral, Tubman Blvd., Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia.
The remains of Philip Neilson were finally committed to mother-earth after a funeral service at the Harvest International Cathedral, Tubman Blvd., Congo Town, in Monrovia, Liberia, with close family members and friends in attendance, and conducted by His Eminence Archbishop Nicolas Duncan-Williams, of the African Chapel International, Accra, Ghana, and supported by other eminent spiritual leaders including Archbishop Isaac A. Winker of the Isaac Winker Global Ministeries International.
Philip Neilson was buried at the Shiata Flowers and Vaults Cemetery, Lower Careysburg, Monrovia.
Charles Taylor Jr may have died, and been buried, but his death has become a unifying force for the Liberians as the crème de la crème of the nation were brought together irrespective of political alienation or differences, as one indivisible people.
By Eric Elezuo
The idea behind one of Nigeria’s elevated private higher institution of learning, the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) is not only humongous, but filled with classy intentions, beautiful landscape, and professionalism in tutelage and character molding.
A visit to this great citadel of learning is not a one day affair, cause no one can see ABUAD in One day; not even in one week, one month or a year, as this reporter can attest to. ABUAD is huge. ABUAD is large. ABUAD is an institution beyond the literary definition. ABUAD is a dream projected to last a lifetime, and it has not failed to live up to billing.
Navigating through the bustling streets of Ado-Ekiti via the centre of Ekiti Parapo Arena, and into the gracious Olusegun Obasanjo Way enroute Aye Ekiti, the institution is situated at an altitude of over 1,500 feet, and located on a 130-hectare piece of land; large enough to birth a kingdom, and accommodate whatever facility dreamt of.
The Boss learnt that the institution was established to address the mismatch between academic programmes and the demands of the labour market in Nigeria.
Established in 2009, in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, by a distinguished legal icon, academic pillar and seasoned entrepreneur, Prof Afe Babalola, ABUAD has distinguished itself as a force to reckon with in the fields of research and training, developing and churning out creative minds, who have constituting a megaforce in global development.
By the benefit of hindsight, the University offers Academic programmes in seven Colleges: Sciences, Law, Engineering, Social and Management Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Pharmacy and Postgraduate Studies. Beyond the academic ratings, ABUAD boasts of the very best of facilities for health, recreation, environmental, electricity, agriculture and more. It is also a centre of academic discipline with academic and non-academic staff of repute, whose stock-in-trade remain the production of all-round, well-tutored and easy-to-fit personality.
The institution is managed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Smaranda Olarinde, which academic and administrative catalogue is quiet envious to behold.
By every standard, the institution merits its Time Higher Education (THE) Impact ranking as at 2025 as the 84th in the world, 3rd in Africa and 1st in Nigeria. Great feat!
The Engineering College, one of the foremost architectural intelligence on the ABUAD land, is built on three and half acres of land, and is reputed to be one of the largest in Africa. The college was inaugurated by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Campuses
Admission requirement
The admission requirement for the school varies between the different colleges. However, as with all Nigerian universities, for undergraduate programs the candidate is required to have at least 5 credits in subjects such as mathematics, English language and any other three subjects that are relevant to the course of study. The student is required to have passed the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board JAMB Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), after which the candidate is expected to take an oral interview with an academic staff of the prospective college before admission can be given. The university also offers direct entry admission to students who wish to transfer from another university or have undergone either an Advanced Level program or a degree foundation program. The level at which they are admitted into is decided by the college and varies among them.
Undergraduate colleges
The university operates a collegiate system and has six major colleges. They are the College of Engineering, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Sciences, College of Law, College of Social and Management Sciences, and College of Pharmacy. Some of the colleges offer post graduate programme in some departments.
The College of Law
The College of Law is fully accredited by the National University Commission (NUC) of Nigeria. The college consists of fully furnished classrooms, a common room, a library containing law journals and articles, and a moot court for students to have court practice sessions. There are a number of student chambers in the college backed by a staff mentor who battle against each other in moot court sessions. Associate Prof. Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde (FCAI) is the pioneer provost of the college of Law and is still the current provost of the college; she is also the acting vice chancellor of the university. The College of Law, which is regarded as one of the best law colleges in Nigeria, offers both undergraduate and post-graduate degrees (master’s level) in law.
The College of Engineering
The college of engineering was accredited by both the NUC and COREN during their one-week visit to the college. The main engineering building which houses laboratories, a central engineering library, lecturer rooms, an auditorium, a central engineering workshop and a certified Festo training center. The engineering building is named after the former Nigerian president Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and was commissioned by him on 20 October 2013 during the university’s first convocation ceremony. Prof. Israel Esan Owolabi served as the pioneer provost of the college of engineering; he stepped down from the post in 2015 and he is currently engaged in teaching activities in the electrical/electronics engineering programme.
Academic programs
- B.Eng. Mechanical Engineering
- B.Eng. Mechatronic Engineering
- B.Eng. Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- B.Eng. Petroleum Engineering
- B.Eng. Civil Engineering
- B.Eng. Chemical Engineering
- B.Eng. Computer Engineering
- B.Eng. Agricultural Engineering
- B.Eng. Biomedical Engineering
- B.Eng. Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
The College of Sciences
The College of Sciences is one of the pioneer colleges of the university after the university’s approval by the Nigerian University Commission (NUC). The university admitted students at inception on 4 January 2010.
Academic programs
- B.Sc. Microbiology
- B.Sc. Human Biology
- B.Sc. Biotechnology
- B.Sc. Biochemistry
- B.Sc. Chemistry
- B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry
- B.Sc. Computer Science
- B.Sc. Geology.
- B.Sc. Physics with Electronics
- B.Sc. Physics
- B.Sc. Petroleum Chemistry
- B.Arch Architecture
The College of Social and Management Sciences
At inception, on 4 January 2010 the university admitted students into the College of Social and Management Sciences, being one of the pioneer colleges of the university. The session ran smoothly without hitches from 4 January to August 2010. The second session of the university started on October 4, 2010, with over 1,000 students. So far the, university has maintained strict compliance with its academic calendar which makes it possible for students to pre-determine their possible date of completion of their programmes even before enrolment. It has been the policy of the university to post on-line students’ results within 24hours of approval by the Senate.
Academic programs
- B.Sc. Economics
- B.Sc. Accounting
- B.Sc. Banking and Finance
- B.Sc. Business Administration
- B.Sc. Tourism and Events Management.
- B.Sc. Political Science
- B.Sc. International Relations and Diplomacy
- B.Sc. Peace and Conflict Studies
- B.Sc. Intelligence and Security Studies
- B.Sc. Social Justice
- B.Sc. Communication and Media Studies
- B.Sc. Marketing
- B.Sc. Entrepreneurship
- B.Sc. Sociology
The College of Medicine and Health Sciences
The college commenced activities in October 2011 having been approved by National Universities Commission.
Academic programs
- Medicine and Surgery (M.B.B.S)
- B.NSc. Nursing Sciences
- B.MLS. Medical Laboratory Science
- B.Sc. Anatomy
- B.Sc. Physiology
- B.Sc. Human Nutrition and Dietetics
- B.Sc. Pharmacology
- B.Sc. Public Health
- Pharm.D Pharmacy
- B.DS. Dentistry
- OD. Optometry
The College of Arts and Humanities
Academic programs
- B. A. Performing Arts
- B. A. English
- B. A. History and International Studies
- B. A. Linguistics
The College of Agriculture
Academic programs
- B. Agric. Animal Science
- B. Agric. Agricultural Economics
- B. Agric. Extension Education
- B. Agric. Crop Science
- B. Agric. Soil Science
Postgraduate college
The university operates a collegiate system and has five major Postgraduate colleges. They are the College of Engineering, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Sciences, College of Law and College of Social and Management Sciences.
ABUAD INDEPENDENT POWER PROJECT
To harness thorough academic and character building, the institution is operated off the national grid as it is run on its own power project, with a dam that powers its electrical needs.
HEALTH AND AGRICULTURE
ABUAD operates of the best medical schools and facilities in the country as it boasts of almost all equipment, space and atmosphere for sundry medical conditions, with reputable medical personnel to complement the environment.
In the vein, the institution runs a developed farming culture, that accommodates rearing of livestock and production of cash and food crops.
The farm sits on a large expanse of loamy soil, complimented with consistent flow of irrigation and drainage, and maintained with the classic of horticulture. The settlement is run by a team of professionals made up of Agroeconomists, horticulturist and more.
It is also worth knowing that the school has its Cassava Processing Factory just as it operates a self sustaining Carbonated Drink Factory.
ABUAD practically offers everything!
ABUAD’S FOUNDER, AARE AFE BABALOLA
Born in 1929, Aare Afe Babalola SAN is one of the most distinguished legal luminaries of his generation, renowned both in Africa and globally for his profound contributions to the legal profession and the advancement of education. With over five decades of uninterrupted legal practice, Aare Babalola’s career is a testament to exceptional dedication, strategic advocacy, and visionary leadership.
A highly accomplished advocate, he has led some of the most celebrated cases in Nigerian legal history, representing high-profile clients, including government institutions, multinational corporations, and individuals. His advocacy spans domestic and international courts, including contributions as a consultant to the Federal Government of Nigeria, World Bank, and various conglomerates. His extensive experience includes his role in arbitration, both locally and internationally, where he remains a respected authority. Aare Babalola has appeared in numerous landmark cases, shaping Nigerian jurisprudence and establishing himself as one of the nation’s most formidable legal minds.
His influence goes beyond the courtroom. As the Founder of Afe Babalola & Co. (Emmanuel Chambers), one of Nigeria’s leading law firms, Aare Babalola has trained over 300 lawyers, including 14 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), judges, and attorneys-general, making his chambers one of the most significant contributors to the legal profession in Nigeria. His exceptional litigation skills and legal acumen earned him the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1987, cementing his place at the pinnacle of legal practice in the country.
A renowned scholar and author, Aare Babalola has authored several authoritative legal texts, including Injunctions and Enforcement of Orders and Law and Practice of Evidence in Nigeria. His contributions to legal education extend to teaching at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and delivering lectures at prestigious universities such as the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan. His popular column, YOU AND THE LAW, published in the Nigerian Tribune, reflects his commitment to educating the public on legal matters.
Beyond his legal practice, Aare Babalola has made extraordinary strides in education. His experience as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos (2001-2007) exposed him to the declining standards of education in Nigeria, spurring him to establish Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).
ABUAD has quickly become a beacon of academic excellence, setting new standards in Nigeria’s educational system. His efforts in education have been recognized globally, with numerous honorary degrees from universities, including the University of London, University of Lagos, and Ekiti State University.
Aare Babalola’s leadership in academia and law has earned him numerous accolades, including the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), and international recognition such as the Queen Victoria Commemorative Award at the Socrates Awards in Oxford, UK. He was named Africa Man of the Year on Food Security and awarded an Honorary Doctor of Management by the Federal University of Technology, Akure. His groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire generations of lawyers and leaders across Africa and beyond.
In addition to his legal and educational contributions, Aare Babalola remains a committed philanthropist and advocate for reform in various sectors. His vast experience, unmatched expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him not only a legal icon but also a trailblazer in the fight for quality education and justice.
Key Achievements:
- Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), 1987.
- Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).
- Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
- Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Lagos (2001-2007).
- Founder and Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).
- Queen Victoria Commemorative Award winner, Oxford UK.
- Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
- Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of London, Ekiti State University, University of Lagos, and more
ABUAD is a legacy, just like its Founder, Afe Babalola SAN.
Photos: Ben Osei and Ken Ehimen
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