The Faculty of Law at the University of Lagos has unveiled a fully renovated annex hall upgraded to what stakeholders described as an international standard learning facility, complete with air conditioning and modern amenities, in honour of Nigeria’s icon and great jurist, Justice George Adesola Oguntade.
What was once a leaking, deteriorating structure used for compulsory law lectures has now been transformed into a state-of-the-art 400-seater academic hall, offering students a comfortable, dignified, and technologically friendly learning environment.
The commissioning ceremony took place in front of the impressive structure, drawing legal luminaries, academics, alumni, family members, and members of the judiciary who gathered not only to celebrate the physical transformation of the building but to honour a man whose legacy continues to shape Nigeria’s legal and educational landscape.
In attendance were the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola; Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Abiola Sanni, SAN; the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba; Bolaji Ayorinde(SAN); former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun(SAN); Chief George M. Oguntade; Babajide Oguntade; Barrister Bose Oguntade Owuru; Mrs Adeola Ayorinde-Oguntade; Mrs. Ajala; Prince I. Nwafuru and the honouree, Justice Adesola Oguntade (SAN).
The remarkable renovation was funded by a group of distinguished alumni and donors: Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala, Esq; Olayinka Ajenifuja, Esq; Femi Oyewole, SAN; Hon. Dayo Bush-Alebiosu commissioner of waterfront; Mr. Kingsley Okpala, ESV; Omotayo Oyewole; Michael Ojomo, Esq; Olukayode Adegbola, Esq; Arc. Tosin Adeoye; and Afolakemi Ogunde, Esq.
Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala, Esq, who spoke on behalf of the donors, is also the Head of Wise View Chambers.
Professor Abiola Sanni explained that the annex hall is central to the academic schedule of law students because it hosts several compulsory courses. He recalled how the previous condition of the building leaking roof, worn-out fittings, and poor infrastructure made learning difficult for students.
According to him, what now stands in its place is a facility that matches global standards, properly ventilated, air-conditioned, and structurally renewed to support serious academic work.
Speaking for the donors, Ajala shared emotional memories of how Justice Oguntade wrote his recommendation letter that enabled his admission into UNILAG and how the retired jurist remained a constant supporter of the faculty through the years — financially and through his presence at events.
He described the renovation as a project driven by gratitude, saying it was a way of investing in future law students while honouring a man who helped shape their own journeys.
Dignitaries who spoke at the event praised the donors for giving back meaningfully to their alma mater and paid glowing tributes to Justice Oguntade, describing him as a philanthropist, mentor, and a symbol of integrity in Nigeria’s legal history.
The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the transformed annex hall, after which guests toured the facility to witness firsthand the level of work done — from the upgraded interior to the improved learning atmosphere.
For many students present, the moment signified more than a building upgrade. It was a reminder that excellence, gratitude, and legacy can come together to create something lasting for generations.
We at The Network Times were present to cover this historic event and commend the donors for delivering a project that has restored pride and international standard comfort to the Faculty of Law while celebrating the life and impact of Justice George Adesola Oguntade.