Experts Task New, Aspiring Lawyers on Leadership, Integrity, Legacy

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Legal experts have tasked new and future advocates of legal profession to imbibe practice driven by driven by principle of integrity, leadership, and enduring legacy.

The legal experts gave the advice at the annual Law Dinner of the College of Law, Caleb University, Lagos.

The dinner themed “Law, Leadership and Legacy: Preparing Advocates for Impact,” brought together members of the Bench and Bar, academics, students, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and other distinguished guests.

The event featured keynote addresses by the Honourable Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) the Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Professor Olalekan Asikhia, and the Acting Dean of the College of Law, Dr. Olugbenga Asaaju.

In his remarks, Alogba described the legal profession as one of the noblest callings in society, stressing that lawyers must remain custodians of justice and defenders of truth.

The Chief Judge warned aspiring lawyers against dishonesty and unethical conduct, noting that the reputation of a legal practitioner takes years to build but can be destroyed within moments.

He urged students and young advocates to approach legal practice with discipline, diligence, courage, and commitment to service.

According to him, legacy should not be measured merely by titles or wealth, but by the positive impact individuals make on society and the lives they influence.

Alogba also charged future legal practitioners to uphold justice without fear or favour, regardless of pressures that may arise in the course of practice.

He commended the management of Caleb University for what he described as its commitment to nurturing advocates prepared for excellence and national development.

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, described the Law Dinner as an evening “where precedent meets purpose, and where the weight of tradition lifts into the wings of tomorrow.”

He said the theme of the event represented more than mere words, describing it as a call to remember that the law is fundamentally about defending rights, shaping society, and touching lives.

Asikhia identified law, leadership, and legacy as the three pillars upon which impactful advocacy must stand.

According to him, the law itself is silent unless courageous advocates rise to interpret it and defend the oppressed.

He noted that members of the legal profession must see themselves not merely as students of rules but as stewards of justice entrusted with a sacred responsibility.

The Vice Chancellor further stated that true leadership in the legal profession goes beyond titles, political offices, or prestigious positions.

He explained that genuine leadership is reflected in acts of service, mentorship, integrity, and sacrifice for justice.

Professor Asikhia praised lawyers who take up pro bono cases, lecturers who teach conscience alongside doctrine, and judicial officers who administer justice with wisdom and fairness.

Addressing students directly, he reminded them that they were not only learning the law but also learning how to lead with it.

Also speaking at the event, Asaaju reflected on the rapid growth and achievements of Caleb University’s College of Law since its establishment about five years ago.

The Acting Dean revealed that the institution’s pioneer set of 42 law students would complete their programme within months and proceed to the Nigerian Law School before the end of the year.

Dr. Asaaju noted that Caleb University distinguished itself as one of the few universities consistently hosting formal law dinners in strict adherence to professional legal training traditions.

He disclosed that the university recently recorded a major milestone when its admission quota for law was increased from 50 to 110 students following an accreditation exercise by the Council of Legal Education.

According to him, the college scored 94.6 percent during the accreditation, while the National Universities Commission awarded the institution a 96.8 percent rating.

He attributed the achievements to the support of the university’s Founder and Visitor, Dr. Oladega Adebogun, as well as the dedication of the university management and staff.

Highlighting the institution’s academic exploits, Asaaju disclosed that Caleb University represented West Africa at the 34th Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition hosted by the University of Cape Town.

He added that the university also emerged champions in South-West Nigeria during a national moot court competition and later finished third nationally in another criminal trial advocacy contest held in Abuja.

He said the college remained committed to producing globally competitive legal practitioners capable of excelling both in Nigeria and internationally.

The event ended with renewed calls for ethical legal practice, disciplined leadership, and sustained commitment to justice as participants celebrated the rising profile of Caleb University’s College of Law.