Twenty students of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos have received the Prof. Omolola Jelili Scholarship Awards valued at N20 million in total, as part of activities marking the 20th posthumous commemoration of the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jelili Omotola (SAN).
The awards, presented at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium of the university, saw each beneficiary receive N1 million based on academic excellence and demonstrated financial need. The scholarship cuts across students from 100 to 500 level in the Faculty of Law.
According to Goke Omotola, son of the late Vice-Chancellor, the initiative was designed as a deliberate investment in the future of the legal profession, continuing his father’s legacy of mentorship and academic empowerment.
Some of the beneficiaries include Ayorinde Fadilat, Godsgrace Babalola, Akinsipe Emmanuel, Ogunnaike Esther, Goodluck Tochukwu, Rodiah Hamid, Bello Olafimihhan, and Adedayo Michael, among others.
The commemoration also featured the renovation and upgrade of the Faculty of Law’s Department of Private and Property Law and the LLM lecture room by friends and family of the late scholar.
A moot and mock trial competition, featuring students from Obafemi Awolowo University and UNILAG, was also held, with UNILAG emerging winner.
Dignitaries at the event included the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Folasade Ogunsola; former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Wole Olanipekun (SAN); Dean of the Faculty of Law, Abiola Sanni (SAN); and other senior legal practitioners and judges.
Speaking at the event, Olanipekun described the late Omotola as a mentor and exceptional legal mind, noting his belief that lawyers should not be poor. He added that Omotola was deeply committed to staff welfare and housing development at UNILAG.
Vice-Chancellor Folasade Ogunsola said the late scholar’s legacy continues to inspire generations, describing his tenure as a period of stability and academic growth. She highlighted his contributions to Land and Property Law and his efforts in improving research, teaching, and infrastructure at the institution.
Prof. Jelili Omotola served as the seventh Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG between 1995 and 2000.
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