From Left – Representative of Unilag VC,, Distinguished Professor of Law, Prof Taiwo Osipitan; Unilag Alumni President Worldwide, Eng Ifeoluwa Oyedele; Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof Abiola Sanni; Justice Yetunde Adesanya and Justice Bisi Akinlade giving out the 10 million naira endowment indigent support fund donated by the 1985 set, to the Faculty of Law, UNILAG
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Law Alumni Class of 1985 has been commended for supporting the renovation of facilities in the Faculty of Law in the institution and donating N10m to support indigent students as part of activities marking the group’s 40th anniversary.
The Class was commended over the weekend while handing over the newly renovated restrooms to the Faculty.
Speaking at the ceremony, the representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Taiwo Osipitan, commended the Class of 1985 for its generous intervention.
While noting that lecturers are “trustees to the students they teach,” Professor Osipitan the contributions from alumni has helped to strengthen the university’s mandate to deliver world-class legal education.
He said the support of the alumni is critical since the UNILAG is owned by multiple stakeholders—including the Federal Government, alumni and donors.
Highlighting the strength of the Faculty of Law, the VC’s representative noted that the faculty boasts 21 professors and 8 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), a record unmatched by any law faculty in Nigeria.
The Don described UNILAG law students as “fit-for-purpose lawyers,” who are nurtured by a faculty he described as“incomparable.”
The 85 Class was also applauded for addressing a core need that directly affects the students well-being by the President of the UNILAG Alumni Association Worldwide, Ifeoluwa Oyedele for their exemplary commitment to the university’s development.
He encouraged other alumni sets to emulate the gesture and continue supporting the institution through the alumni app available on the Google Play Store.
He cited global benchmarks, noting that Harvard University manages a $57.3 billion endowment fund, while UNILAG currently has ₦1 billion.
He therefore emphasized the need for sustained alumni participation in order to boost the institution’s financial base and student support systems.
Apart from the renovation of the restrooms, the Class of 1985 also announced that it plans to have a ₦10 million endowment fund for indigent students in the Faculty aimed at supporting academically qualified students who face financial challenges.
Project Chair, Chief Adetunji Orisalade, who was represented by his son, Barrister Damilola Orisalade presented an overview of the renovation works, after which Justice Bisi Akinlade, a distinguished member of the class, led other alumni in performing the ceremonial handover.
Earlier in a separate presentation, former Director of Legal Services at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Yetunde Akinloye, described the anniversary as deeply emotional for members of the class.
Her words, “Forty years ago, we stepped out of these gates unsure of what the future held. We were trained by some of the finest minds in academia. These include the likes of Professor Omotola of blessed memory, Agbede, Abiola Ojo, Adeyemi, Akanki, Adesanya, Anifalaje, and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. This anniversary felt like a landmark, and we decided it was time to give back to the place where it all began,” she said.
The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Abiola Sanni, however thanked the alumni for their generosity, describing their efforts as a seed that would inspire other sets to support the faculty.
Other prominent members of the Class of ’85 present included legal practition, Taiwo Kupolati (SAN), Olusegun Akinloye, Justice Olabisi Akinlade, Justice Yetunde Adesanya, Akin Falade, Professor Kunle Aina, and Adedeji Adeshina.
About The Author
