UNILAG Honours Justice George Oguntade with Ultra-Modern Lecture Hall

Wale Igbintade

The Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG), has unveiled a fully renovated and state-of-the-art annex lecture hall in honour of retired Supreme Court Justice, George Adesola Oguntade, celebrating his enduring legacy as one of Nigeria’s most respected jurists.

The upgraded facility, now fitted with air-conditioning and modern infrastructure, has been transformed into a conducive and dignified learning environment for both students and lecturers.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Afolabi Lesi, described the Faculty of Law as one of UNILAG’s flagship faculties, renowned for academic excellence and strong alumni engagement.

He noted that the faculty has one of the highest numbers of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) serving as lecturers in any law faculty nationwide, a distinction reflected in the outstanding performance of its graduates.

According to him, UNILAG produced the highest number of first-class graduates at the most recent Nigerian Bar examinations.
Professor Lesi commended the donors for choosing to honour Justice Oguntade during his lifetime.

“We have not gathered to celebrate him in death, but in life. 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,” he said.

The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Abiola Sanni, SAN, said the annex hall occupies a central place in the academic life of the faculty, hosting several core and compulsory courses.

He revealed that the facility had suffered prolonged neglect, including persistent roof leakages and structural defects that created difficult learning conditions.

“The renovation has been comprehensive and professionally executed. It has restored dignity to this space and significantly enhanced our teaching and learning environment,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Kazeem Alogba, urged institutions to recognise and celebrate distinguished individuals while they are still 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.

Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, 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, Chief George Oguntade, SAN, expressed gratitude to the university and donors for celebrating his father during 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 immense contributions to the legal profession.

Speaking on behalf of the donors, Mr. Olugbenga Ajala said the project was both personal and purposeful.

He recalled that Justice Oguntade once wrote the attestation letter that facilitated 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, mentorship, and years of service.

The renovation was funded by a group of distinguished alumni and benefactors, including Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala, Olayinka Ajenifuja, Femi Oyewole, SAN, Hon. Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, Kingsley Okpala, Omotayo Oyewole, Michael Ojomo, Olukayode Adegbola, Arc. Tosin Adeoye, and Afolakemi Ogunde.