Campus News

Law Faculty ‘calls’ 114 students to the Bar, honours 6 SAUs

By Isaac Lewu

The Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin has honoured 114 Law students who were officially called to the Bar.  It also conferred the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of the Union (SAU) on six outstanding individuals, who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to legal excellence, mentorship, and societal impact.

The event, themed “Legal Practice Within and Beyond: Navigating the Hurdles Towards Excellence,” and held last Wednesday (April 30, 2025) at the Old Moot Court, Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin, brought together members of the legal academic community, faculty, families, and well-wishers to honour the achievements of the graduating class and distinguished honourees.

In her welcome address, the Chief Justice of the Students’ Union and Chairman, Body of Benchers for the 2024/2025 Academic Session, Hon. Justice Ismail Khadijat Moromoke, CJSU, emphasised the enduring significance of the legal profession in the society.

She said, “We have gathered here not only to celebrate but to be reminded of the importance of the legal profession in shaping society and upholding the rule of law,”

Addressing the newly called advocates, she said, “You are about to embark on a journey that will take you to the forefront of justice, advocacy, and service to humanity.”

The Guest Speaker, a Professor of Public Law at the University of Ilorin, Mariam Adepeju Mustapha, charged aspiring legal practitioners to uphold ethical standards and remain upright in the face of mounting challenges in the legal profession.

Prof. Mustapha outlined the critical do’s and don’ts that shape exceptional lawyers, emphasising integrity, discipline, and professionalism as non-negotiable attributes for success in the field.

She identified major challenges confronting the legal profession, including ethical lapses, corruption among judicial officers, inefficiency within the justice system, and poor adherence to the professional dress code. According to her, cases of some judges accepting bribes do not only tarnish the image of the judiciary but also weakens public trust in the legal system. She urged students and young lawyers to resist the temptation of unethical shortcuts and instead build a reputation based on merit, diligence, and respect for the rule of law.

The Keynote Speaker, Dr. Muhammed Kamaldeen Imam Tamim of the Department of Islamic Law urged Law students to remain committed to continuous learning, stressing that campus legal activities are only a foundation and not a reflection of real legal practice. Dr. Tamim reminded students that the journey ahead requires dedication, resilience, and adaptability to the evolving dynamics of the legal profession.

He praised the Faculty of Law for its excellence in academic delivery, stating that students of the Faculty are privileged to be mentored by some of the best legal minds in the country.

In the highly competitive examination qualifying students for induction into the Student Bar, Aremu Halimah of the Department of Common Law emerged in first place, while Yahaya Raheemat, from the Department of Common and Islamic Law, clinched the second position. The third position was shared in a tie between Sama Martins of the Department of Common Law and Yakubu Halima from the Department of Common and Islamic Law. Also present at the event were Adeniyi Sakariyau Abdullah, ESQ. MCIARB (UK) Social Secretary Nigerian Bar Association Ilorin Branch representing the Chairman; S.M.H. Kosemani ESQ., Assistant Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association, Oganija Muhammed Yusuf, ESQ., as well as the President of the UNILORIN Student Union, Mr Agezeh, Victor Oghenetega.