Nigerian lawyer and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Chief Afe Babalola has come under heavy criticism over his donation of 10 million pounds to establish a learning centre at King’s College, London.
The educationist had said the donation will go into the establishment of the Afe Babalola African Centre for Transnational Education in King’s College as part of his efforts to ‘enable young Africans to access education and opportunities which they would otherwise not be able to have.’
At the official rate provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria, £10m is over N5.6bn
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Reacting to the development, a number of social media users berated the senior advocate for splashing such a humongous sum abroad despite the poor quality of education in Nigeria.
Twitter user Esonwunne Loveday tweeted, “considering the present state of education in Nigeria;wouldn’t it had been of necessity and needful when u scale the preference,If Afe babalola had invested such in any university in Nigeria.Ekiti state University?”
Mkpe Abang said, “Why doesn’t King’s College London instead invest or contribute to Afe Babalola’s educational institutions in Nigeria? Misplaced priorities”
Onyedika Igbokwe said, “Instead of you to invest this money to your school and make it the best in Africa. School that needs constant light and water, teachers and facilities. You are donating to kings college London that is way ahead”
Also, @anufemeki40 said, “Over 20 million out of school children with the worst education secotor in the whole world and this man is donating £10 million to a western school ? Can someone make me understand this?”
Despite the outrage, some Nigerians commended Babalola for the gesture, describing the investment as worthwhile.
Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu lauded Babalola saying he was worthy of emulation by other Nigerians who only invest in politics.
“A great man. A great mind. Afe Babalola’s investments in education in Nigeria (Afe Babalola University) and now abroad are worthy of emulation by the many wealthy Nigerians who only ‘invest’ in politics,” he said.
Laz Ude described the investment as commendable “This is commendable. Before Afe Babalola built his private university, he has supported many schools esp in SW. He donated a Nuclear Medicine Building to UCH Ibadan. I’m so proud of him. May I get rich enough to beat his records in educational investments. God bless Aare!
After charging so much school fee in his institution, all he can do is waste it on UK school. The students on his school pays for everything.
We don’t even have constant water and electricity in this school…everyday waking up 6am just so we can get hold of some which finishes in less than an hour…after the amount of money we paid and stress we go through coming to this school
Student are getting kidnapped on their way to school and this man hasn’t said a word
I’m truly disappointed, if I had known this I have to endure I wouldn’t have come here
The idea is noble. However, it would have made more sense to me if that amount was made available for a collaboration to establish the centre in Afe Babalola University Nigeria. Moreover, Afe Babalola University needs more educational infrastructures enhancement than King’s. It would be good to know what King’s College is bringing to the collaboration order than the name.
Why are people complaining, his money, his choice. After all they spend their money the way they want.
Is there no University or college to be supported in Nigeria or Africa? It is indeed a misplaced priority to say the least.
Papa, I love you more than this. Your school fees is one of the highest in Nigeria. Na your money o.but you could have reduced school fees than this UK gifts