Twenty students from the University of Lagos’ Faculty of Law have won the Prof. Omolola Jelili Scholarship.
The N1 million scholarships were awarded at the university’s J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium during the 20th posthumous celebration of former UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Jelili Omotola.
From 1995 to 2000, Omotola (SAN) served as the University of Lagos’ seventh vice-chancellor.
Goke Omotola, the son of the late former UNILAG VC, clarified that the recipients, who ranged from the 100th to the 500th level of the law faculty, were those who were judged to have both proven financial need and excellent academic records
“Deliberate investment in the future of the legal profession and a continuation of his father’s lifelong dedication to mentoring and empowering young minds” is how he defined the program.
In addition, he revealed that in honor of their father’s 20th memorial anniversary, friends and family of the late Omotola had renovated and upgraded the Faculty of Law’s Department of Private and Property Law and L.L.M. lecture room.
Students from Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Lagos participated in a moot and mock trial session, but UNILAG students emerged victorious.
Attendees included Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, the VC for UNILAG; Wole Olanipekun, the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association; Abiola Sanni (SAN), the dean of the UNILAG Faculty of Law; Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, the former Attorney General of Oyo State; and Justices Oluwatoyin Taiwo, Razak Olukolu, and Iyabo Osodi.
Omotola was his “teacher, tutor, lecturer, and senior who was in a class of his own,” according to Olanipekun (SAN).
He was a mirror to us. He never thought that attorneys should be impoverished, Olanipekun continued.
He was a decent man. Let’s remember him even when he passes away since good people never die. Olanipekun also mentioned Omotola’s efforts to ensure staff housing as part of its commitment to improving the welfare of UNILAG employees.
The UNILAG VC stated in her remarks that because Omotola dedicated his life to bolstering the foundations of justice, his legacy continues to illuminate paths and inspire generations.
She stated that Omotola’s contributions to legal education will never be forgotten and that the late legal icon made sure UNILAG was a shining example of excellence in his capacity as VC.
“His analysis and critiques on the Land Use Act of 1978 from his Essays on the Nigerian Land Use Act 1978, among many works, can be seen from his academic acumen and influence in Land and Property Law,” Ogunsola continued.
From 1995 to 2000, Prof. Omotola served as the university’s seventh vice-chancellor. Students and staff saw his reign as a time of stability and development.
He advocated for advancements in service delivery, academic quality, and research. Additionally, he created options for staff housing using his knowledge of land and property law, which represents the current necessity to employ skills not only for research but also to address societal issues.
