Campus News

VC ranks ‘The Jurist’ among world best student law journals

By Tajudeen Babamale

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has commended the Jurist Law Journal, describing it as a publication that can stand shoulder to shoulder with any student-run law journal in the world, including the prestigious Harvard Law Review.

            Prof. Egbewole made this assertion last Thursday (May 29, 2025) during the launch of the 28th edition of The Jurist, an annual journal published by the Law Students’ Society of the Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin. He noted that the consistent publication of The Jurist over the years is a testament to the commitment and excellence of the Law students of the University.

            Reflecting on his own experience, the Vice Chancellor revealed that he had once served as the editor of the journal in the past and fully understood the dedication and rigour that go into its production. He disclosed that even in his capacity as a lecturer, he still finds the journal useful and often cites articles from it, which underscores its scholarly relevance and academic quality.

            The Professor of Jurisprudence and International Law further praised the quality of the latest edition, stating that the calibre of Mr. Nureini S. Jimoh, SAN, in whose honour the journal was published, speaks volumes about its credibility and the high standards it maintains.

            While saying that the journal serves as a vital platform through which law students make lasting contributions to the Faculty and the legal discourse at large, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria expressed optimism that the students’ efforts in producing The Jurist would inspire them to be agents of societal change.

            The Vice Chancellor urged the students and legal professionals present to view the journal as more than a student project. He said the initiative exemplifies the kind of intellectual interrogation, investigation, and public engagement that the legal profession must embrace to remain relevant in the contemporary society. He added that, the relevance of the legal profession lies in its ability to address and shape pressing societal issues for the betterment of the world.

            Speaking earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Nimah Modupe Abdulraheem, said that the new edition of The Jurist, entitled “From Analog Systems to Algorithmic Realities: Reconstructing Nigeria’s Legal Framework for a Digital Future”, seeks to interrogate how Nigeria’s legal framework can evolve to meet emerging realities where technology is rapidly transforming every facet of human interaction, commerce, and governance.

            Prof. Abdulraheem said for nearly three decades, The Jurist has stood as a testament to the intellectual rigour, academic excellence, and innovative spirit of the students, adding that “the tradition of excellence mirrors the broader achievements of our Faculty, which has produced eminent personalities excelling in various endeavors including High Court judges, Court of Appeal justices, professors of repute, vice-chancellors, Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and other high flyers in their respective professions and calling.”

            Despite these accomplishments, the Dean said the Faculty’s current admission quota to the Law School remains constrained at 150 students. “We eagerly anticipate the Council’s imminent reaccreditation visit, which we hope will bring not only reaffirmation of our standards but also an increase in our quota to accommodate more deserving students”, she stated.