Twenty students of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, have bagged the Prof Omolola Jelili Scholarship Awards.
- +UNILAG law students bag N20m scholarships
The N1m scholarships were presented at the 20th posthumous commemoration of former UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Jelili Omotola, at an event held at the J.F.
The N1m scholarships were presented at the 20th posthumous commemoration of former UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Jelili Omotola, at an event held at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium of the university.
Omotola (SAN) was the seventh Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos from 1995 to 2000.
Son of the late ex-UNILAG VC, Goke Omotola, explained that the beneficiaries, who spanned from 100 level to 500 level of the Law faculty, were those deemed to possess strong academic records as well as demonstrated financial need.
He described the initiative as a “deliberate investment in the future of the legal profession and a continuation of his father’s lifelong dedication to mentoring and empowering young minds.”
Some of the beneficiaries were Ayorinde Fadilat, Godsgrace Babalola, Akinsipe Emmanuel, Ogunnaike Esther, Goodluck Tochukwu, Rodiah Hamid, Bello Olafimihhan and Adedayo Michael.
He also disclosed that friends and family of the late Omotola had carried out a renovation and upgrade of the Faculty of Law’s Department of Private and Property Law and L.L.M. lecture room to commemorate the 20th memorial anniversary of their father.
The event featured a moot and mock trial session involving students of the University of Lagos and Obafemi Awolowo University, but was won by students of UNILAG.
Personalities at the event included the UNILAG VC, Prof Folasade Ogunsola; former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Wole Olanipekun; Dean of the Faculty of Law, UNILAG, Abiola Sanni (SAN); other legal luminaries, including former Attorney General of Oyo State, Prof Oyelowo Oyewo; and Justices Oluwatoyin Taiwo, Razak Olukolu, and Iyabo Osodi.
Speaking, Olanipekun (SAN) noted that Omotola was his “teacher, tutor, lecturer and senior who was in a class of his own.”
“We saw him as a mirror. He never believed that lawyers should be poor,” Olanipekun added.
“He was a good man. Good people don’t die, so let’s continue to remember him even in death.” Olanipekun also noted Omotola’s commitment to the enhanced welfare of UNILAG staff, putting efforts into ensuring staff housing.
Giving her remarks, the UNILAG VC held that Omotola’s legacies continue to illuminate paths and inspire generations, as he devoted his life to strengthening the foundations of justice.
She noted that Omotola’s legacies to legal education remain indelible, adding that the late legal luminary, as VC, ensured that UNILAG was a beacon of excellence.
Ogunsola added, “His academic acumen and influence in Land and Property Law can be seen from his analysis and critiques on the Land Use Act of 1978 from his Essays on the Nigerian Land Use Act 1978, among many works.
“As a university, Prof Omotola was the seventh Vice-Chancellor between 1995 and 2000. His tenure was experienced by students and staff as a period of stability and growth.
“He pushed for improvements in research, academic excellence, and service delivery. He also used his expertise in Land and Property Law to create opportunities for staff housing, which reflects the current need to use one’s expertise not just for research but to bring solutions to problems in society.”
