Adejola Adeyemi Crown
ABEOKUTA – Prominent members of the Bench, Bar and academia have charged law students of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, to embrace discipline, integrity, resilience and continuous learning as indispensable virtues for success in the legal profession.
The advice was given on Tuesday at the 2026 Annual Law Dinner of the University’s College of Law, held under the theme, “Legal Radiance.”
The event, regarded as one of the institution’s flagship traditions, brought together law students, academics, legal professionals, members of the judiciary and other stakeholders in the legal sector for an evening of reflection, mentorship and engagement on the ideals and ethics of the legal profession.
Welcoming guests to the event, the Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Professor Oyedunni Sola Arulogun, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to holistic education and character development, stressing the university’s resolve to produce graduates equipped with both academic excellence and strong moral values.
Speaking on the significance of the annual gathering, the university leadership noted that the dinner serves as a platform for exposing students to the culture, traditions and expectations of the legal profession while preparing them for future leadership roles.
In his welcome address, the Acting Dean of the College of Law, Dr. Kayode Akinsola, described the dinner as a celebration of the institution’s values, achievements and aspirations.
According to him, the event remains an essential avenue for bridging classroom learning with the realities of legal practice.
He said, “Tonight is not just a celebration of academic excellence and professional ambition, it is a celebration of community, legacy, and the future of legal education.”
Akinsola added, “As Acting Dean, I am proud of what we have achieved together.”
Earlier, he had described the Law Dinner as “an essential platform to expose students to the traditions and expectations of the legal profession, beyond classroom learning.”
The guest lecturer, Dr. O.L. Oke, Chief Registrar of the High Court of Ogun State, delivered a lecture on Academic Excellence, where he challenged students to pursue excellence beyond the pursuit of good grades.
According to him, academic excellence involves a lifelong commitment to learning and intellectual growth.
“Academic excellence goes beyond grades. It encompasses a lifelong commitment to learning and this is the foundation of the legal profession,” he stated.
Addressing the students, Oke noted that law remains one of the most versatile disciplines, saying, “Students are told that law unlocks every door of human endeavours.”
He identified discipline as one of the fundamental pillars of legal education and professional success.
“It requires consistent daily application. Law always requires hard work,” he said.
The Chief Registrar further encouraged students to cultivate the habit of extensive reading beyond classroom materials.
He said “reading beyond lecture notes” remains a crucial requirement for anyone aspiring to excel in the profession.
On ethical conduct, Oke stressed that integrity must remain non-negotiable for every aspiring lawyer.
“Integrity should be the benchmark of law students, especially in the legal profession,” he said.
He also identified time management as a critical pillar of legal practice and described resilience as another indispensable quality needed to overcome the challenges associated with legal training and practice.
The guest lecturer further advised students to respect colleagues, show empathy and remain committed to the ethical standards of the profession.
He also encouraged members of the faculty to continue nurturing a culture of scholarship and ethical standards among students.
In his remarks, retired Hon. Justice Oladehinde Soremi cautioned students against excessive dependence on Artificial Intelligence, stressing that technology should never replace diligent study, critical thinking and personal intellectual development.
The retired jurist warned that while Artificial Intelligence may serve as a useful tool, it should not become a substitute for the hard work and rigorous scholarship required in legal education.
He implored the students not to rely on Artificial Intelligence but to study diligently and strive for excellence through personal effort and commitment to learning.
According to him, “Do not rely on Artificial Intelligence. Study and strive for excellence.”
Soremi noted that the legal profession requires sound reasoning, analytical thinking and a deep understanding of legal principles, qualities that can only be developed through disciplined study and continuous learning.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Arinola Dipeolu, who was represented by Hon. Justice Tajudeen Ogunsokan, described the gathering as a defining moment in the academic and professional journey of the students.
“I am deeply honoured to share the dinner of the Law Department of Chrisland University, Abeokuta,” he said.
Justice Dipeolu noted that the dinner symbolised a transition into the noble legal profession.
“Tonight is not just a dinner, it is a rite of passage. You are no longer mere students who want to study law. You are students of law entrusted with discipline,” he said.
He reminded the students that the legal profession demands sacrifice and dedication.
“This will demand long hours when others rest. The training you begin here is designed for one purpose. You must learn character,” he stated.
The jurist urged the students to remain committed to the ideals of law and justice while preserving their integrity and reputation.
“I urge you to carry on today with three things: law, justice and humanity.”
“Do not be so skilled on technicalities and lose focus of humanity. Guard your name jealously,” he added.
The event, which was attended by luminaries from various segments of the legal profession across Nigeria, featured interactions between students and senior legal practitioners as well as discussions on ethics, professionalism and leadership.
Keypoints of the dinner included the presentation of awards to distinguished guests, members of staff, student executives and outstanding students in recognition of their contributions and achievements.
