TheCable

Afe Babalola, proprietor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, on Wednesday revealed that he turned down the offer of ministerial appointment four different Nigerian presidents.

Babalola made the disclosure at the third convocation ceremony of the university.

He said his refusal was not out of pride but the conviction that his law practice was enough to make him comfortable and also contribute to national development.

Babalola said pressure from former President Olusegun Obasanjo made him accept to serve as pro-chancellor and chairman of council of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

He said he accepted to serve on the council on the condition that he would not be paid salaries or allowances throughout his tenure.

Babalola expressed regrets that many Nigerians were unwilling to contribute to national development, urging them to shun greed and be contented.

He explained that the rot as well as state of financial recklessness he met at the University of Lagos spurred him into establishing a university.

Attahiru Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who was chairman of the occasion, commended Babalola’s vision in partnering with government to take education to the next level.

Ayo Fayose, governor of Ekiti, also commended Babalola for considering the state as host for the university, urging other wealthy indigenes of the state to emulate him.

Seven-hundred-and-thirty-six students graduated from the six faculties of the institution.