Twenty students from the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG), have been awarded the Prof. Omolola Jelili Scholarship Awards, each receiving ₦1 million in recognition of academic excellence and financial need.
The presentation took place during the 20th posthumous memorial lecture of former UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jelili Omotola (SAN), held at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium of the university.
Professor Omotola, who served as the seventh Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG between 1995 and 2000, is remembered for his contributions to legal education and institutional development.
Speaking at the event, his son, Goke Omotola, explained that the scholarship was designed to support outstanding law students from 100 to 500 level who demonstrated strong academic performance alongside financial challenges. He described the initiative as a continuation of his father’s commitment to mentoring and empowering young people.
Among the beneficiaries were Ayorinde Fadilat, Godsgrace Babalola, Akinsipe Emmanuel, Ogunnaike Esther, Goodluck Tochukwu, Rodiah Hamid, Bello Olafimihan, and Adedayo Michael.
He also revealed that family members and friends of the late academic had renovated and upgraded parts of the Faculty of Law, including the Department of Private and Property Law and the LLM lecture theatre, as part of activities marking the 20th memorial anniversary.
The event also featured a moot and mock trial competition involving students from UNILAG and Obafemi Awolowo University, with UNILAG emerging victorious.
Dignitaries present included UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola; former NBA President, Wole Olanipekun (SAN); Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Abiola Sanni (SAN); Professor Oyelowo Oyewo; and Justices Oluwatoyin Taiwo, Razak Olukolu, and Iyabo Osodi, among others.
In his remarks, Olanipekun described the late Omotola as a towering academic figure who shaped many legal minds.
“He was my teacher, mentor and senior in a class of his own. We saw him as a mirror,” he said, adding that Omotola believed lawyers should live dignified lives.
He also praised the late scholar’s commitment to staff welfare, particularly his efforts toward improving housing conditions at the university.
Vice-Chancellor Ogunsola noted that Omotola’s legacy continues to influence legal education and institutional development.
She highlighted his scholarly contributions, especially on land law, including his critiques of the Land Use Act of 1978, and described his tenure as VC as a period marked by stability, academic growth, and infrastructural development.
According to her, his vision of using academic expertise to solve real societal challenges remains relevant today and continues to inspire the university community.
