As part of its inaugural Law Week 2025, themed “Justice Beyond Barriers,” the Faculty of Law and the Law Students’ Society of Thomas Adewumi University (TAU) successfully held its Maiden Faculty Public Lecture on Thursday, July 4, 2025. The lecture, a major highlight of the week-long celebration, was themed “Access to Justice in Nigeria: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Future of Legal Practice.”
The event attracted students, faculty members, members of the legal community, and dignitaries from within and outside Kwara State, reaffirming TAU’s growing reputation as an emerging hub for legal scholarship and public discourse.
In his opening address, the Dean of the Faculty of Law and host of the event, Professor Oke-Samuel Olugbenga, welcomed all attendees and expressed his delight at unveiling the Faculty’s first public lecture. He provided a brief overview of the Faculty's establishment and emphasized the significance of public lectures in stimulating intellectual engagement both within the Faculty and the University at large. He also acknowledged and appreciated the guest speaker, Banjo Ayenakin, Esq., for honouring the invitation.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francisca Oladipo, in her remarks, described the occasion as a historic milestone in TAU’s journey toward becoming a center for legal excellence. She commended Professor Oke-Samuel for his instrumental role in establishing the Faculty and applauded the entire Law community for their efforts. “This lecture marks a significant step in our commitment to extend legal education beyond the classroom. The chosen theme is both timely and necessary for national development,” she stated. Professor Oladipo reiterated the University’s dedication to raising socially conscious, technically competent legal professionals who will champion justice for all.
Delivering the lecture, Banjo Ayenakin, Esq., a seasoned legal practitioner, administrator, and principal partner at Banjo Ayenakin & Co., delivered an impactful and intellectually stimulating presentation. Drawing from his vast experience as the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, Ayenakin tackled the theme with depth and clarity.
He described access to justice not merely as a legal concept but as the foundation of democracy, development, and humanity. Citing Aristotelian definitions and modern legal doctrines, he explained the interplay between procedural and substantive justice. “Access to justice is the core element of the rule of law and a fundamental constitutional right,” he asserted.
Among the challenges he identified were: Prohibitive costs of legal processes; Delays in justice delivery; Complex procedural systems and low public awareness; Perceived corruption in the judiciary; Inadequate legal infrastructure and lack of technology; and Law enforcement inefficiencies, including arbitrary arrests and poor investigations. Banjo Ayenakin, Esq., proposed robust solutions including: Integration of legal technology such as e-filing, case management systems, and AI-based legal research; Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms; Reform of procedural laws; Investment in judicial systems and legal aid services; Specialized courts and collaborative legal reforms.
Concluding his lecture, he stated, “The future of legal practice in Nigeria depends on the profession’s capacity to lead change, through innovation, ethical fortitude, and a service-oriented mindset, particularly to the voiceless and vulnerable.” He challenged students and stakeholders to advocate for a justice system that is inclusive, effective, and people-centered.
Following the lecture, the Vice-Chancellor presented a plaque of appreciation to the guest speaker on behalf of the University and the Faculty. Goodwill messages were also delivered by Prof. Ifeolu Koni, Dean of Law, Redeemer’s University, who commended TAU’s initiative and leadership; Rev. John Olusola Baiyeshea, SAN, represented by Dr. A.S. Asonibare and Mr. D. Akinola Akintoye, who expressed admiration for the Faculty’s vision.
A cocktail party immediately followed in front of the Faculty building, serving as a networking platform for students and distinguished guests. During the reception, the Dean of the faculty formally announced the naming of two TAU Law Chambers after notable Kwara-born Senior Advocates: Rev. John Olusola Baiyeshea, SAN and Mr. Akinola Akintoye, SAN. The families of the honourees were present at the occasion, which underscored the Faculty’s commitment to preserving legacies and promoting mentorship within the legal profession.
The event was graced by the University Registrar, Mr. Kolawole Fisayo, Deans of various faculties; Representatives of law enforcement agencies, including the Area Commander of Police, Omu-Aran, Divisonal Police Officer, Omu-Aran, and officials from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Members of the Bar and Bench, as well as other distinguished guests.
The Sub-Dean of the Faculty, Barr. Hope Okedele, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing profound appreciation to all attendees, contributors, and guests who made the historic event a success.
As TAU’s Faculty of Law continues to grow, the 2025 Public Lecture represents a defining step in positioning the University at the heart of legal thought leadership, social advocacy, and transformative education in Nigeria.
