The Lagos State University (LASU) Law Clinic has received a significant facelift following a comprehensive renovation project funded by a group of philanthropists in honour of retired Supreme Court Justice George Adesola Oguntade.
The intervention, spearheaded by businessman and philanthropist Olugbenga Ajala alongside friends and associates, was designed to celebrate Justice Oguntade’s contributions to the legal profession while enhancing practical legal education for students of the university.
The renovated facility was officially dedicated to the retired jurist, whose distinguished career spans decades of service on the Bench, culminating in his appointment to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Speaking during the unveiling, representatives of the donors explained that the project was inspired by Justice Oguntade’s reputation as a mentor and role model to many within the legal and academic communities.
According to Afolakemi Ogunde, who spoke on behalf of the group, an assessment of the clinic revealed that several facilities had become outdated and no longer met the demands of modern clinical legal education. The donors therefore resolved to undertake a full rehabilitation to create a more conducive environment for practical learning.
The renovation focused on improving functionality, expanding learning spaces and strengthening facilities used for simulations, advocacy training and professional skills development.
Ogunde noted that the intervention aligns with the group’s longstanding commitment to educational development and legal training. She added that the donors had previously renovated an annex lecture hall at the University of Lagos in honour of Justice Oguntade.
Students and faculty members welcomed the development, describing it as a major boost to experiential learning within the Faculty of Law.
President of the LASU Law Students’ Society, Emmanuel Sewanu, said the upgraded clinic would provide students with better opportunities to develop practical legal skills before graduation. He explained that the facility would support the establishment of Students’ Chambers, allowing senior students to gain supervised experience in advocacy, client interviewing and legal research.
A 400-level law student, Mariam Rasheed, also praised the intervention, noting that improved seating arrangements, ventilation and modern facilities would enhance moot court sessions and other practical exercises.
Clinical legal education has become increasingly important in Nigerian universities as institutions seek to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world legal practice.
Stakeholders believe the upgraded clinic will better prepare students for professional practice while reinforcing LASU’s reputation as one of the country’s leading centres for legal education.
The project further highlights the growing role of private-sector support and philanthropy in strengthening educational infrastructure and promoting academic excellence across Nigeria’s higher institutions.
