By DAYO ADESULU
ILISHAN-REMO, Ogun State — Resilience, transformation and sustainable growth took centre stage as Babcock University marked its 67th Founders Day and 27th anniversary as a private university with a lecture highlighting the institution’s journey and its contribution to global development goals.
The lecture, held at the university’s Amphitheatre on September 17, 2026, was delivered by Mr. Olalekan Ogunbanwo, a veteran Nigerian broadcast journalist, media executive and former Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service.
Ogunbanwo, in his presentation titled “Measuring Impact, Gauging Growth: The Ilishan-Remo Story of Babcock University,” examined the university’s evolution, resilience and transformational mission while highlighting its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
From Seven Students to a Transformational Institution
Reflecting on Babcock University’s history, Ogunbanwo traced its origins to 1959, when it began as the Adventist College of West Africa (ACWA) with only seven students.
He noted that the institution demonstrated remarkable resilience during Nigeria’s civil war between 1967 and 1970 before being renamed the Adventist Seminary of West Africa (ASWA) in 1975.
According to him, the institution’s affiliation with Andrews University represented a pivotal stage in its development, providing a foundation for sustainability and greater international recognition.
The lecture presented Babcock’s institutional journey as one marked by resilience, strategic growth and a sustained commitment to education and human development.
Transforming Lives Beyond the Classroom
Ogunbanwo also shared a personal testimony illustrating what he described as the university’s impact on individual lives.
He recounted the story of a student he sponsored from a government-run remand home who, after experiencing Babcock University’s nurturing environment, developed into a confident and independent young woman.
The former civil servant said the woman is now preparing for postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.
For Ogunbanwo, the story represents the broader mission of Babcock University to transform lives through education, mentorship and character development.
Babcock University and the Growth of Ilishan-Remo
The lecturer also drew a connection between the development of Babcock University and the transformation of its host community, Ilishan-Remo.
He described the community’s evolution from a rustic town into a thriving community as one that mirrors the university’s own expansion and diversification.
He noted that Babcock’s growth in academic programmes and institutional influence has occurred alongside significant changes within its immediate environment.
“If the early pioneers could see what their work has grown into, they would bow in awe to God,” Ogunbanwo said.
Linking University Growth to the Sustainable Development Goals
Beyond its historical development, the lecture highlighted Babcock University’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly through education, community development and economic growth.
The university’s commitment to Quality Education, SDG 4, was linked to its diverse academic programmes and student-centred initiatives.
The institution’s focus on resilience, inclusivity and community development was also connected to SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities, while its contribution to human development and economic advancement was associated with SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth.
These areas, the lecture suggested, demonstrate how the impact of a university can extend beyond its campus into the wider society.
Babcock University Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Leadership
As Babcock University continues to expand its influence, the Founders Day lecture reinforced the institution’s stated commitment to holistic education rooted in faith, resilience and service.
The university said it remains focused on nurturing leaders capable of contributing to sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.
The celebration therefore provided an opportunity not only to reflect on Babcock’s institutional history but also to consider its future role in education, leadership development and sustainable growth.
Vice-Chancellor: Celebration Is About the Future
In his remarks, Babcock University President/Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, expressed appreciation to the lecturer, members of the university community and its partners for their contributions to the institution’s development.
Ojewole said the anniversary celebration should not be viewed solely as a commemoration of the past but also as an opportunity to focus on the future.
“This celebration is not just about our past, but about the future we are building together. I thank every member of our community for their unwavering commitment to the vision of Babcock University.”
The Founders Day lecture ultimately placed Babcock University’s decades-long journey within a broader conversation about resilience, educational impact and sustainable development, reinforcing the institution’s ambition to remain a force for positive transformation in Nigeria and beyond.
Why This Matters
Babcock University’s Founders Day lecture highlights the growing importance of universities as institutions whose influence extends beyond academic qualifications.
By connecting education with community development, leadership, economic growth and the Sustainable Development Goals, the lecture underscores the potential role of higher education institutions in shaping sustainable societies.
For Babcock University, its history — from seven students in 1959 to a major private university — provides the foundation for its continuing emphasis on education, faith, service and transformational leadership.
FAQs
When was Babcock University’s 67th Founders Day celebrated?
Babcock University celebrated its 67th Founders Day on September 17, 2026.
Who delivered the Founders Day lecture?
The lecture was delivered by Mr. Olalekan Ogunbanwo, a veteran Nigerian broadcast journalist, media executive and former Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service.
What was the theme of the lecture?
The presentation was titled “Measuring Impact, Gauging Growth: The Ilishan-Remo Story of Babcock University.”
What Sustainable Development Goals were highlighted?
The lecture specifically linked Babcock University’s activities to SDG 4, Quality Education; SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities; and SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth.
When was Babcock University established?
The institution began in 1959 as the Adventist College of West Africa (ACWA), with seven students.
Conclusion
Babcock University’s 67th Founders Day lecture provided a reflection on the institution’s remarkable journey from its modest beginnings in 1959 to its present role as a private university committed to education, service and leadership development.
The lecture also positioned the university’s growth within the wider framework of sustainable development, highlighting its continuing efforts to create impact within Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria and beyond.
