EKSU law alumni demand judicial reforms

The President of the Alumni of the Faculty of Law, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Dr Femi Ogunlade, has called for sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s judicial system and a more inclusive funding model for education, warning that the country’s democratic and developmental aspirations depend heavily on both sectors.

Ogunlade, who stated this during the annual reunion and general meeting of the institution’s Class of 1997, in Akure, Ondo state capital, described Nigeria’s judiciary as a critical pillar of democracy that must be strengthened through deliberate reforms, particularly in the area of appointments and welfare.

While acknowledging public concerns over some judicial outcomes, he maintained that courts operate strictly within the confines of the law and evidence presented, cautioning against the growing trend of politicising judicial decisions.

He said, “The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, and its integrity must be protected. What is required is a system that prioritises competence, integrity, and merit in judicial appointments. Only then can public confidence be sustained.”

He further stressed that improving the remuneration and working conditions of judicial officers is essential to safeguarding the independence of the bench.

According to him, the disparity between earnings in private legal practice and judicial service poses a challenge that the government must urgently address to attract and retain the best legal minds.

On the education sector, Ogunlade called for a shift from government-dominated funding to a more collaborative model involving alumni, the private sector, and other stakeholders.

He argued that with mounting fiscal pressures, it is unrealistic to expect government alone to adequately fund tertiary institutions, stressing that global best practices show strong alumni engagement as a key driver of institutional excellence.

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Speaking at the gathering, the President of the alumni association said the event, coming nearly three decades after their graduation, provided an opportunity not only to reconnect but to interrogate national issues and chart a pathway for meaningful contributions to society.

He noted that the class has produced leading figures across the legal profession and beyond, underscoring the enduring impact of quality education and shared values.

The alumni body, however, pledged to deepen its support for EKSU through mentorship programmes, infrastructure development, and professional partnerships, while urging graduates across the country to take a more active role in national discourse.

Ogunlade said the collective experience and influence of alumni networks position them as vital agents of reform capable of shaping both institutional growth and Nigeria’s broader development trajectory.

Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Babalola Abegunde, charged the alumni to move beyond celebrating past achievements and embrace leadership roles that will sustain the Faculty’s legacy and impact national development.

“The question is not whether we have a legacy. The question is whether we are providing the leadership that will sustain that legacy,” he said.

Abegunde stressed that alumni now occupy key positions in Nigeria’s legal and governance structures and must use their influence to strengthen institutions and uphold the rule of law.

“At this stage, we are no longer asking for inclusion; we are directing affairs. That comes with responsibility,” he said.

Also speaking, Prof. Benson Omoleye said the strength of any nation’s legal system depends largely on the quality of its lawyers, urging alumni to see themselves as custodians of both institutional and national values.

“The quality of lawyers a nation produces will determine the quality of justice it delivers,” he said.