The Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Friday, February 13, 2026, formally unveiled its newly renovated Annex Law Lecture Hall, marking yet another milestone in a sustained programme of infrastructure renewal under the leadership of the Dean, Professor Abiola Sanni, SAN.
The refurbished Law annex is the latest in a series of strategic upgrades, powered by donors, that are steadily transforming the Faculty’s physical and academic environment. In recent years, the Faculty has benefitted from the donation of a dedicated power supply system with inverters by alumnus and clergyman, Pastor Tunde Bakare; the refurbishment of the Staff Lounge; the upgrade of the Students’ Lounge among others. Each intervention reinforces a deliberate vision of institutional advancement.
The newly renovated Law annex now wears a new toga dedicated to the enduring legacy of a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (Rtd.) George Adesola Oguntade, CFR, FCIArb., FNIALS. The dedication, according to the donors, recognises the legal luminary’s towering contributions to Nigeria’s jurisprudence and influence on the legal profession.
The ceremony drew an eminent gathering of jurists, academics, public officials, and distinguished members of the legal community including the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Kazeem Alogba, who served as Special Guest of Honour; Hon. Justice Dr. Yomi Olukolu; Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN; Chief Folu Oguntade, SAN; fomer Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Professor Lanre Fagbohun, SAN; Mrs. Folashade Alli, SAN; Mrs. Abosede Oworu; Dr. Adeola Ayorinde; and Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush-Alebiosu.
Also, in attendance were Ms. Leticia Bertrand, Chief AI Officer, Kingsarch, and Ms. Vivienne Veda, Director at African Finance Corporation, alongside faculty members, students, and alumni.
Donors Commitment to Institutional Growth
The project was made possible through the generosity of a consortium of distinguished alumni and supporters of the Faculty: Olugbenga O. Ajala, Esq.; Hon. Dayo Bush-Alebiosu; Olayinka M. Ajenifuja, Esq.; Michael Ojomo, Esq.; Olukayode Adegbegbola, Esq.; Afolakemi Ogunde, Esq.; Olufemi Oyewole, SAN; Esv. Omotayo Oyewole; and Arc. Tosin Adeoye. Their intervention further demonstrates a growing culture of structured giving within the Faculty. Collectively, these efforts reflect a deepening recognition among alumni that infrastructure is foundational to academic excellence and advocacy training.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Afolabi Lesi, commended the donors for their foresight and commitment to strengthening the University’s infrastructure base.
Prof Lesi described the renovation as “a shining example of what alumni partnership can achieve.” He added that the project represents more than a physical transformation.
His words “When former students give back in this manner, they strengthen the foundation upon which future generations will stand.”
Professor Lesi emphasised that infrastructure renewal remains central to the University’s strategic objectives and encouraged other stakeholders to emulate the donors’ investment in advancing legal education.
A Broader Vision of Renewal
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Abiola Sanni, SAN, expressed profound appreciation to the benefactors. He noted that the upgraded annex will significantly enhance teaching, learning and advocacy training.
He pointed out that the facility had played a pivotal role in the academic journey of thousands of students. He added that the ceremony was not merely the unveiling of a refurbished structure but a re-commitment to excellence, innovation, and a learning environment worthy of the Faculty’s heritage.
According to him, dedicating the facility to Justice Oguntade was both symbolic and fitting, given the jurist’s immense impact on Nigeria’s law profession and his mentorship of generations of legal practitioners.
Speaking on behalf of the donors, Olugbenga O. Ajala, Esq., noted that the renovation was motivated by gratitude and a shared sense of responsibility to give back to the institution that shaped their professional paths.
He described the initiative as an investment in the future of justice and nation-building, emphasising that strong institutions are built through collective stewardship.
The newly refurbished Law Annex is a functional, comfortable, and inspiring academic space. It features re-designed interiors, improved seating, enhanced lighting, upgraded sanitary facilities, and modern fittings.
With this latest development, the UNILAG Faculty of Law continues to consolidate its standing as a leading centre for legal education in Nigeria; driven not only by academic distinction but by a vibrant community of alumni determined to leave a lasting legacy.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Faculty of Law
