LAGOS, NIGERIA - The Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) has honoured the enduring legacy of Nigeria’s first female professor of law, Jadesola Akande, describing her contributions as pivotal to the country’s legal education, gender advocacy, and democratic development.
The tribute was delivered on Wednesday at the institute’s annual memorial lecture held at the Ayo Ajomo Auditorium, University of Lagos.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Constitutionalism, Rule of Law and Democratic Governance in Nigeria: The Legacy of Professor Jadesola Akande,” Olaide Abass Gbadamosi (SAN) described Akande as a trailblazer whose contributions to constitutional law and women’s rights remain unmatched.
Gbadamosi, a Professor of Law at Osun State University, noted that Akande broke barriers in 1981 when she became Nigeria’s first female professor of law.
She later made history again as the first female Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University.
According to him, her leadership significantly raised academic standards and inspired generations of lawyers and scholars across the country.
He added that her scholarly works spanning constitutional law, family law, and gender studies helped shape legal discourse and address systemic gaps within Nigeria’s legal framework.
“Her contributions extended beyond academia to advocacy for women’s rights and access to justice, making her a transformative figure in society,” Gbadamosi said.
He further highlighted Akande’s role in promoting gender inclusion, noting that she championed initiatives that expanded opportunities for women in the legal profession and governance.
Gbadamosi emphasised that her ideals remain relevant to Nigeria’s democratic journey, advocating for stronger institutions, adherence to the rule of law, and increased female representation in leadership.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Dean of the Faculty of Law, Abiola Sanni (SAN), described Akande as a colossus in legal scholarship whose influence continues to resonate globally.
Sanni urged participants to remain optimistic, noting that intellectual engagement transcends physical gatherings and continues to grow through wider participation.
He emphasised that constitutionalism, the rule of law, and democratic governance remain critical tools for limiting government power and ensuring accountability.
According to him, Akande’s achievements, including her role as the first female Director-General of NIALS, paved the way for more women to assume leadership positions in academia and governance.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director-General of NIALS, Abdulqadir Abikan, called for sustainable funding models to preserve the legacies of distinguished scholars through institutionalised programmes.
Abikan emphasised that memorial lectures remain vital platforms for intellectual discourse on national issues, such as constitutionalism, the rule of law, and democratic governance.
He, however, warned that reliance on government funding is not sustainable, urging families of honourees and stakeholders to establish endowment funds to support such initiatives.
According to him, proceeds from such funds could ensure the continuity of lecture series across generations.
“Those we honour were icons with wide networks, and their influence should be leveraged to sustain these programmes,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Engineer Adetokunbo Coker, representing Justice Adenike Coker, expressed gratitude to the institute and legal community for honouring Akande.
He reflected on her legacy, noting that although he met her later in life, her remarkable impact became increasingly evident over time.
The event attracted senior advocates, professors, legal practitioners, and stakeholders across Nigeria’s justice sector, all of whom paid glowing tributes to Akande’s enduring legacy of scholarship, integrity, and service.
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