THE Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Chief Afe Babalola, has urged the political elite and influential Nigerians to desist from seeking medical treatments and other health-related services abroad.

He said Afe Babalola Multi-system Hospital had adequate capacity to offer advanced health services, adding that with its medical exploits so far, Nigerians had no reason to go abroad for medical attention.

The foremost legal luminary spoke at the 13th matriculation and grand finale of the 4th anniversary of the Multi-system Hospital, which will begin operation on March 21, 2018.

He said the teaching hospital had become a frontline and first-class health institution in Africa in the area of general medicine and treatment of kidney, heart and cardiovascular diseases.

Babalola described infrastructure, equipment and personnel in the teaching hospital as supersonic, imploring Nigerians to show more trust in the services offered by tertiary health care providers in the country.

He said funds going to other countries where Nigerians sought medical treatment would help improve the country’s ailing health system when people patronised local health facilities.

Babalola said: “I challenge the Council of Traditional Rulers to go and pass a resolution, asking President Muhammadu Buhari to come here and see what we are doing.”

“Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan came here. Why can’t President Buhari be here to see how we are contributing to nation building?”

Addressing the matriculating students, Babalola congratulated the parents, saying “they have chosen the best university in this part of the world that offers good and reliable certificates as well as infusing good moral standing in students.”

He said: “ABUAD was not just set up for certificate acquisition, we also mould character. I know we can only get it right in this country in terms of functional education if universities are places where you get certificates as well as promote good character.

“This is why whatever certificate you get here will open doors for you, because we believe in character building. Without character, education will be useless.

“If you comply with our rules, you will come out with high class and you will be rewarded. This is the only university that rewards scholarship.”