Adejola Adeyemi Crown
A retired judge, Hon. Justice Oladehinde Soremi, has cautioned law students of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, against excessive dependence on Artificial Intelligence, urging them to embrace diligent study and hard work in their pursuit of academic and professional excellence.
Soremi gave the advice on Tuesday at the 2026 Annual Law Dinner of the university’s College of Law held under the theme, “Legal Radiance.”
The event brought together law students, academics, legal practitioners, members of the judiciary and other stakeholders in the legal profession for an evening of mentorship, reflection and engagement.
Addressing the students, the retired jurist warned that while technological innovations may be useful, they should never replace rigorous study, critical thinking and personal intellectual development.
He implored the students not to rely on Artificial Intelligence but to cultivate a strong reading culture and strive for excellence through personal effort.
According to him, “Do not rely on Artificial Intelligence. Study and strive for excellence.”
Soremi noted that the legal profession requires sound reasoning, analytical skills and a deep understanding of legal principles, qualities that can only be developed through disciplined study and continuous learning.
Earlier, the guest lecturer, Dr. O.L. Oke, the Chief Registrar of the Ogun State High Court, delivered a lecture on Academic Excellence, where he stressed that excellence goes beyond obtaining good grades.
“Academic excellence goes beyond grades. It encompasses a lifelong commitment to learning and this is the foundation of the legal profession,” he said.
According to him, law remains one of the most versatile disciplines, noting that “law unlocks every door of human endeavours.”
Oke identified discipline, integrity, time management and resilience as key pillars of success in the legal profession.
“It requires consistent daily application. Law always requires hard work,” he stated.
The Chief Registrar urged students to read beyond lecture notes and maintain the highest ethical standards.
“Integrity should be the benchmark of law students, especially in the legal profession,” he added.
He also advised students to respect colleagues, show empathy and remain committed to the ethics of the profession, while encouraging the faculty to continue nurturing a culture of scholarship and ethical standards.
In his address, the Chairman of the occasion and the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Arinola Dipeolu who was represented by Hon. Justice Tajudeen Ogunsokan, described the dinner as a significant milestone in the journey of aspiring lawyers.
“Tonight is not just a dinner, it is a rite of passage,” he said.
“You are no longer mere students who want to study law. You are students of law entrusted with discipline.”
Justice Ogunsokan reminded the students that legal training demands sacrifice and character.
“This will demand long hours when others rest. The training you begin here is designed for one purpose. You must learn character,” he stated.
He urged them to remain committed to the ideals of law, justice and humanity.
“Do not be so skilled on technicalities and lose focus of humanity. Guard your name jealously,” he advised.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Dean of the College of Law, Dr. Kayode Akinsola, described the annual law dinner as an important platform for exposing students to the traditions and expectations of the legal profession beyond classroom learning.
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.”
The event, attended by notable figures from various segments of the legal profession across the country, also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished guests, members of staff, student executives and outstanding students.
Chrisland University’s Annual Law Dinner is one of the institution’s flagship programmes aimed at promoting scholarship, professionalism, ethical conduct and mentorship among future legal practitioners.
