UNILAG’s law hall annex renovated in honour of Justice Oguntade
The Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG), has unveiled a fully renovated lecture hall annex in honour of a retired Supreme Court Justice, George Adesola Oguntade. It was to
The Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG), has unveiled a fully renovated lecture hall annex in honour of a retired Supreme Court Justice, George Adesola Oguntade.
It was to celebrate his enduring legacy as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished jurist.
The renovation was funded by a group of distinguished alumni and donors, including Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala, Olayinka Ajenifuja, Femi Oyewole, (SAN), Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, Kingsley Okpala, Omotayo Oyewole, Michael Ojomo, Olukayode Adegbola, Arc. Tosin Adeoye, and Afolakemi Ogunde.
The upgraded facility, now equipped with air-conditioning and modern fittings, has been transformed into a comfortable and dignified learning environment for law students and lecturers.
UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Afolabí Lesi, described the Faculty of Law as one of the university’s flagship faculties, known for academic excellence and strong alumni support.
Prof. Lexi stated that the faculty boasts of the highest numbers of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) serving as lecturers in any law faculty in the country, a distinction which he said reflected in the performance of its graduates.
According to him, UNILAG produced the highest number of first-class graduates at the most recent Bar examinations.
Prof. Lesi commended the donors for honouring Justice Oguntade during his lifetime.
“We have not gathered here to celebrate him in death, but in life,” he said.
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He further noted, “the reward of an eminent jurist such as Justice Oguntade is not only in heaven, but also here on earth.
“He will continue to enjoy the fruits of the seeds he has sown.”
The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Abiola Sanni (SAN), in his remark, said the annex hall, hosting several compulsory courses, plays a central role in the academic life of students.
He recalled that the facility had suffered years of neglect, including persistent roof leakages and structural defects that made learning conditions difficult for students.
“The renovation has been comprehensive and professionally executed.
“It has restored dignity to this space and will significantly enhance our teaching environment”, he enthused.
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, in his remarks urged institutions to celebrate distinguished individuals while they are alive.
“Too often, we wait until they are gone before recognising them. It is far more meaningful to honour excellence while it can still inspire,” he said. Hon. Bush-Alebiosu, who is the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development and one of the donors, described Justice Oguntade as a mentor, philanthropist and symbol of integrity.
He recounted the retired jurist’s steadfast support for him and his family over the years.
“Honouring him in this manner is a modest gesture compared to the profound impact he has had in our lives,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the family, the honouree’s son, Chief George Oguntade (SAN), expressed gratitude to the university and donors for celebrating his father in his lifetime.
He described the renovated hall as a lasting investment in the education of future lawyers and a fitting tribute to his father’s contributions to the legal profession.
Speaking for the donors, Mr. Olugbenga Ajala said the project was both personal and purposeful.
He recalled that Justice Oguntade once wrote the attestation letter that secured his admission into the Faculty of Law.
“When a jurist of his stature writes, ‘I have known him from birth,’ it instils discipline and responsibility,” Ajala said.
He explained that he mobilised fellow alumni and friends to fund the project in recognition of the retired justice’s influence and service to the country.
