By Rasheed Sobowale

Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, First Vice President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has commended Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), for its advancements in education, healthcare and industrial innovation during a visit to the institution.

Olowojebutu, who described the trip as a return to his Ekiti roots, toured key facilities across the university, including the Afe Babalola Multi-System Hospital (AMSH). He expressed admiration for the hospital’s sophisticated medical infrastructure, such as its 64-slice and 128-slice CT scanners, advanced MRI systems and an intelligent pneumatic tube transport system. He noted that patients from across Nigeria now seek care at AMSH, a development he said reflects its growing national reputation.

The hospital’s oxygen production plant, dialysis centre and record of over 40 successful kidney transplant surgeries were also highlighted as evidence of its status as one of Africa’s leading medical centres.

At the ABUAD Industrial Park, Olowojebutu inspected agro-processing and manufacturing facilities that produce odorless fufu, garri, ogi, locally milled rice and carbonated drinks. He praised the university’s integrated production model, saying it supports national food security and industrial training for young Nigerians. He also toured the university’s Independent Power Plant, which supplies reliable, low-carbon electricity to the campus.

Olowojebutu noted ABUAD’s global ranking among the top 100 universities worldwide, describing the achievement as a testament to the vision and commitment of the institution’s founder and chancellor, Aare Afe Babalola. He offered prayers that ABUAD would rise further to join the top ten universities in the world within Babalola’s lifetime.

The visit concluded with a courtesy meeting with Aare Babalola, whom Olowojebutu described as a national asset. On behalf of Nigerian doctors, he presented the elder statesman with a symbolic painting in recognition of his contributions to education, healthcare, agriculture and national development.

Olowojebutu said Aare Babalola’s investments continue to shape Ekiti State and Nigeria, noting that his legacy will impact generations to come.