The Lagos State University (LASU) Law Clinic has undergone a significant transformation following an intervention by philanthropists. The project, initiated by Olugbenga Ajala and supported by friends and associates, aimed to create a more conducive environment for practical legal education. The renovation was undertaken in honour of retired Supreme Court Justice George Adesola Oguntade, whom Ajala regards as a mentor and father figure. The clinic's revamp focused on functionality, clinical learning, practical simulations, and professional skills development.
According to Afolakemi Ogunde, who spoke on behalf of the donors, an assessment of the clinic revealed outdated, dilapidated, and non-functional facilities. This prompted the donors to undertake comprehensive rehabilitation rather than cosmetic improvements. The renovation aimed to provide a more conducive environment for students to engage in practical legal education. The group had earlier renovated an annex lecture hall at the University of Lagos in honour of Oguntade, who served as LASU Chancellor in 2015.
The 40th President of the LASU Law Students' Society, Emmanuel Sewanu, described the intervention as a major boost to practical legal education. He said the renovated clinic would enable senior law students to establish Students' Chambers and develop advocacy skills under lecturers' supervision. The facility would also bridge the gap between studying law and practising it by exposing students to legal research, client interviewing, communication, advocacy, problem-solving, and professional ethics.
A 400-level student, Mariam Rasheed, commended the renovation, saying improved seating, ventilation, and facilities would enhance learning, moot court sessions, and advocacy training. The renovated facility was dedicated in honour of George Oguntade, a former Supreme Court Justice and LASU Chancellor. The dedication ceremony was attended by students, lecturers, and other stakeholders who appreciated the donors' efforts.
The LASU Law Clinic renovation is a significant development in the institution's efforts to provide students with practical legal education. The clinic will serve as a hub for students to engage in moot court sessions, client interviewing, and other practical exercises. The facility's revamp is expected to have a positive impact on the quality of legal education provided by the university.
Olugbenga Ajala's initiative to honour Oguntade through the renovation of the law clinic has been widely appreciated by the university community. Ajala's desire to contribute to legal education and honour his mentor has resulted in a state-of-the-art facility that will benefit generations of law students. The donors' efforts have demonstrated the importance of private sector involvement in supporting public institutions.
The renovated LASU Law Clinic is a testament to the impact of philanthropy on education. The facility's transformation will provide students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the legal profession. Key aspects of the renovation include improved facilities for practical legal education, enhanced advocacy training, and a more conducive learning environment.
Key points
- The renovated clinic will enable senior law students to establish Students' Chambers and develop advocacy skills under lecturers' supervision.
- The facility's revamp focused on functionality, clinical learning, practical simulations, and professional skills development.
- The renovation was undertaken in honour of retired Supreme Court Justice George Adesola Oguntade.
