The Faculty of Law ‘Class 83’ of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has held its 7th Reunion at Chida International Hotel in Abuja. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports.
It was two days of fun and rekindling of fond memories of their alma mater.
Between March 14 and 15, the University of Lagos (Unilag) Faculty of Law ‘Class 83’ gathered at the Chida International Hotel in Abuja to celebrate its 7th Reunion.
For those who passed through the Unilag Faculty of Law in the 80s, there is something striking about ‘Class 1980-83’. It is a set of achievers. Although they left school over 31 years ago, they always showcase the faculty that brought out the best in them.
For instance, the ‘Unique Set,’ as they are referred to, has produced eight Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), 17 judges, several professors and lawyers of repute. Also on the list are Generals in the Nigerian Army, legislators, senators, business men and women and those in the Diaspora who have distinguished themselves.
Initiated seven years ago, the essence of the Reunion, is to bond with fellow classmates and their families, network and render assistance and support to one another and their beloved alma mater. The two-day event kicked off on March 14 with a dinner. On March 15, there was a Business Session where issues affecting members and their alma mater were discussed. The train moved to Sen. Effiong Bob’s palatial home where they were treated to a sumptuous meal. Drinks flowed amid banters.
They returned to Chida International Hotel for dinner where their former lecturers spoke glowing about them.
“This is the most visible set ever produced from the Faculty of Law, UNILAG,” the Dean, Faculty of Law, UNILAG Prof Imran Smith (SAN), said.
Prof Isaac Agbede added: “They are unique and trail blazers. There is no one like you.”
Extolling the members’ virtues, Prof Smith said he was happy to celebrate with the “wonderful set”, adding that coming together like this means celebrating the best university in the country.
“I’m proud to associate with the faculty that has not failed accreditation. The faculty that has the highest number of professors in the university; our students have recorded great height in their endeavours. Out of 15 First Class produced by the Nigerian Law School last year, five of them came from University of Lagos. We are making progress. We thank you for being part of that progress in terms of moral and financial support. We are happy with this set and your achievements,” he said
National President of the Reunion, Justice Adedotun Onibokun, said it was a privilege to be among the achievers.
“Over the years, we have improved on the aims and objectives of this Reunion. We network among ourselves and that has improved especially now with the publication of the directory of members,” Justice Onibokun said.
“This year, we have elevations and promotions. Chief Godwin Obla was made a SAN; Mr Mike Igbokwe (SAN) got the Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators of Nigeria. In our private lives, we are celebrating marriages for our children. This year, we have the largest number of our set from the Diaspora. Seven of our members are based in the United States and five of them were in attendance this year. We have had a very cooperative set since 33 years and it has been so till this day. I thank God for the bond, love despite the fact that we are from diverse areas,” Justice Onibokun said.
Chairman, Board of Trustees and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, University of Benin, Senator Effiong Bob, was full of praises for his mates for staying together.
Senator Bob said: “Staying together for three years has extended to 33 years. It is heart warming to have in our midst today as usual, our most cherished teachers and mentors, our heroes and role models, who, many years ago, not only volunteered to but passionately and diligently molded us like clay in the hands of the esteem porter and guided us into what we have become today.
“I know the UNILAG must be proud of your products. Who would have believed, when we left the Faculty of Law, of UNILAG about 31 years ago that we will still be standing together? Who would have believed that those little boys and girls, who were hardly in their twenties, will today become professors, judges, respected lawyers, lawmakers, topflight business men and women, respected military officers, politicians, and policy makers? Surely, God Himself has turned us into what we are today and we are grateful”.
According to Senator Bob, the decision to assemble every year is not meant to dine and wine and renew contact with one another, rather it is an opportunity to look back and reappraise where they are coming from to purposefully and fruitfully forge ahead.
Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Justice Baba Yusuf thanked members for ensuring that this year’s reunion is a success. Justice Yusuf said coming together yearly is good but emphasised that their responsibility to their alma mater must not be lost to the merriment of the event.
Retired Supreme Court, Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte said he got to know about the Reunion last year but was thrilled because it was fashioned after American universities.
“There is nothing as good as remembering your alma mater, which brings about remembering your teachers and classmates. UNILAG Law Faculty is unique in the sense that students were free with their lecturers. Then we used to hold tutorials in my sitting room, which showed that UNILAG is a nurturing institution. The most important thing is that the confidence students had in their lecturers as at that time is still there. Your gesture has brought hope as the faculty grows. I feel proud to be associated with you,” he said.
Among the dignitaries at the event were former lecturers such as Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) and Prof Kassim Momodu.
