UniJos Distinguished Alumni Lecture
UniJos Distinguished Alumni Lecture Delivered by Fagbemi Yields ₦75 Million
6th October, 2025
The University of Jos (UNIJOS) hosted a landmark Distinguished Alumni Lecture on Friday, October 3, 2025, which culminated in a combined financial commitment of N75 million from the nation's top political and legal figures.
The substantial pledges came from the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, and the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
Keynote Focuses on Digital Transformation of Justice
The Distinguished Alumni lecture, a programme of the Directorate of Alumni Relations organised in collaboration with the Advancement Office, drew key stakeholders to the Social Science Auditorium, Naraguta Campus of the University.
The lecture, delivered by Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, was themed: “The Nigerian Justice System in a Digital Age: Opportunities, Challenges and the Road Ahead.”
In his address, Chief Fagbemi stressed the urgent need for the Nigerian judiciary to fully embrace and integrate digital technology. He highlighted that the digital age offers an unparalleled opportunity to transform justice delivery, stating that technology is fundamentally about "opening doors."
"At the heart of this transformation is the potential to expand access to, enhance efficiency, leverage data for informed decision-making and empower all stakeholders in the justice ecosystem," the Attorney General remarked. He added that, with technology, "the courtroom is no longer confined to a physical space, and legal records are no longer bound by paper."
Substantial Financial Commitments
Following the keynote address, the Guest Speaker and the Special Guest of Honour announced their significant donations:
·Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, pledged N50 million to assist the University with preparations for the upcoming Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) and committed further support for the UNIJOS Alumni Association Building Project.
·His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Executive Governor of Plateau State, committed N25 million. This sum includes N20 million for the Alumni Centre Project and N5 million dedicated to Law students.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Tanko Ishaya, FBCS FNCS, expressed profound gratitude for the exceptional generosity on behalf of the University Management and Governing Council, acknowledging the contributions as a significant source of pride and a catalyst for the alma mater's growth.
Dignitaries and Induction
His Excellency, Governor Mutfwang, who was the Special Guest of Honour, described the lecture as a "fountain of knowledge." The Chairman of the Occasion, Distinguished Senator Simon Bako Lalong (Senator representing Plateau South), noted his delight at the timely theme, given the daily impact of digital trends on the legal profession.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ishaya, confirmed that the University of Jos is scheduled to be one of the institutions where the Federal Government plans to establish a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence through a special intervention, affirming that technology will augment human endeavours.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan SAN, stated that the lecture was apt and intellectually enriching for all attendees, coming from the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria who graduated from the University.
Earlier in his welcome remark, the Director of the Directorate of Alumni Relations, Mr. Naandye Dabugat, outlined the four pillars of the lecture: Inspiration, Mentorship, Intellectual Renewal, and Accountability, emphasizing that giving back is an investment into the next generation.
The event concluded with the ceremonial induction of Chief Fagbemi into the Hall of Fame of the prestigious League of Distinguished Alumni Lecturers, conducted by the Director of Alumni Relations and the Global President of the University of Jos Alumni Association, Dr. Gad Shamaki Peter.
A host of other dignitaries were present, including Prof. Dakas C.J. Dakas, Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Mr. Philemon Daffi the Plateau State Attorney General, members of the University Governing Council and Senate, other members of University Management, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, staff, students and alumni.
Communications Unit
Directorate of Alumni Relations
University of Jos
- Log in to post comments
