The Law graduates of the National Open University of Nigeria have held their maiden award event, where they honoured notable personalities including the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, Governing Council chairman, Prof. Peter Okebukola, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, among many others.
The event, which was held on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at the convocation arena of the university, was aimed at recognising all those who undertook and supported the struggle which led to the admission of NOUN law graduates into the Nigerian Law School.
In his opening address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, represented by the Director Advancement and Linkages, Mrs. Omorogieve Ileka, expressed his pleasure at the news that the NOUN Law graduates have all flourished at the remedial classes of the Nigerian Law School.
And as a result of the success, the VC continued, they have been fully admitted for their main Law School program into the Nigerian Law School for another year.
"We are proud to say that you all have made us proud and it is a thing of joy to see you all. We thank you for finishing distinctively in the Nigerian Law School remedial classes and we are happy you have set an example for the upcoming graduates. Once again, you have made us very proud," Peters said.
He called on them to always remember that the battle is not over until the present law graduates do not need to go through the remedial classes, urging them to go and set the pace at the Nigerian Law School.
"We also look forward to you teaming up and guiding the National Open University of Nigeria Alumnai Association (NOUNAA) to become a more unified force because with unity, there is nothing you cannot achieve,” he added.
Earlier, the president of the NOUN Law Graduates, Chief Jide Bello, in his address, explained that the gathering had become imperative as an opportunity to say thank you for the love and progress of mankind, sacrifices and patriotism for which everyone is a living witnesses to especially the NOUN Law graduates from all parts of the country.
“Thank you again to all who have written their names in gold in the annals of time, and also we thank the people who helped carry the cross and bore the burden, and also grovelled under it beyond their official responsibilities until the admission into the Nigerian Law School was approved in the year 2020,” Bello said.
He said “the NOUN Law graduates have just completed their remedial programme and the Nigerian Law School in flying colours and are all admitted into the bar coming up in October 2022.
“It was indeed imperative that no NOUN law graduate was caught for examination malpractice of any kind or was found wanting throughout the programme. All NOUN graduates at the Nigerian Law school were rated exceptionally well and were also described fit-and-proper to the lawyers by their tutors.”
The Dean of the Faculty of Law Barrister. Dr. Ernest Ugbejeh, said the success story has marked the beginning of the struggle to be treated like any other graduates from the Nigerian university.
He thanked the management of the university, staff and well-meaning Nigerians and students who played key roles their capacities that metamorphosed into the joys and celebrations the NOUN Law graduates are having.
Ugbejeh tasked the group to stay united and motivate one another in their journey and adventure of success.
The event ended on an emotional note as three NOUN Law graduates: Mr. Alex Emeka James, Mr. Alex Okonofua and Hon. Atolagbe Afolabi were given posthumous awards.
The trio graduated with flying colours and fought hard to ensure that the dream of attending the Law School became a reality but ended up not making it to the school.
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