Two foreign universities, including the Trinity Western University, Canada and Trinity International University, USA, would confer the founder and Chancellor of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti(ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, their Honorary Doctor of Laws Degrees on October 21, 2026.

This was contained in a statement by the ABUAD Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Tunde Olofintila.

According to Olofintila, this was made known at the weekend by Dr. Philip Laird, the Senior Vice President, Global Engagement & Government Relations, Trinity Western University, Canada, (TWU), when he presented the invitations from the two universities to Babalola in Ado-Ekiti.

Laird who is currently on secondment to Trinity International University, USA, (TIU) affirmed that the proposed conferral by TWU and TIU represents one of the highest distinctions the universities can bestow on anyone.

Emphasizing the exclusiveness of the Awards, Laird said that “They are reserved for individuals whose lives and accomplishments have made exceptional contributions to society and whose influence extends far beyond the boundaries of their profession.

 “In honouring you, we recognize your extraordinary impact on legal scholarship, educational innovation, philanthropy, social development, nation-building, and leadership. Yet I must say with sincerity that the privilege belongs not only to the recipient. Indeed, the greater honour belongs to us. It is the privilege of Trinity Western University in Canada and Trinity International University in the United States to be associated with your remarkable legacy.”

He added: “It is our privilege to welcome you into the fellowship of our most distinguished honorary graduates. It is our privilege to celebrate a man whose life demonstrates the noblest aspirations of humanity: excellence without arrogance, achievement accompanied by generosity, influence guided by wisdom, and leadership grounded in service.

“And so today, as we look forward with anticipation to October 21, 2026, when our institutions will formally confer upon you the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, we do so with immense gratitude and admiration.

“Aare Afe Babalola, your life has enriched countless communities. Your vision has empowered generations. Your legacy has strengthened Africa and elevated global higher education. You have shown us that one person’s faith, determination, and commitment to the common good can alter the course of history.

“For this reason, your name will continue to inspire students, educators, leaders, and citizens for generations to come. On behalf of Trinity Western University and Trinity International University, we thank you, we honour you, we appreciate you and we celebrate you.

“May God continue to bless you with health, wisdom, and strength. And may your extraordinary legacy continue to illuminate the path for future generations throughout Africa and across the world”.

Earlier, Laird had presented Babalola with the Trinity Western University African Leadership Excellence Award in recognition of what he (Laird) described as his (Babalola’s) exemplary leadership, extraordinary contributions to higher education, distinguished service to Nigeria and the African continent and his enduring commitment to developing future generations of ethical and principled leaders.

According to him, The Trinity Western University African Leadership Excellence Award recognizes not only Babalola’s achievements, but also who he is: “a builder of institutions, a champion of excellence, a servant of society, and an inspiration to leaders across Africa and around the world”.

Reacting to the developments, Babalola noted that it is not often that two universities of note in Canada and the US would send someone to Nigeria to inform someone who grew up on the farm, some seven miles from Ado township, without shoes, pants or singlets of impending Awards by two leading universities in the world.

The former Pro Chancellor & Chairman of Council of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, who said he did not know whether to laugh or weep about the latest developments in his life, said: “But here I am today being celebrated by two great universities, one in Canada and the other in the United States of America, I give glory to God for what He has enabled me to achieve.

“Today, the world is aware of the difference I am making through my university. That is why Dr. Laird is here to represent two universities which are honouring me with their Honourary Doctor of Laws Degrees for which I am eternally grateful”.