The University of Ilorin has claimed victory in the inaugural edition of the Lukman Fagbemi Moot and Mock Competition, organized by the Law Students' Society in partnership with Lukman O. Fagbemi & Co. (Rahmah Chambers).
Honoring Legal Excellence
The competition was established to honor Prince Lukman Fagbemi, SAN, a distinguished alumnus of UNILORIN who served as President of the Law Students' Society during the 2007/2008 academic session. The event brought together approximately 20 universities from across Nigeria, including prominent institutions such as Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, and University of Benin.
Rigorous Competition Process
The contest featured multiple challenging stages designed to test participants' legal skills comprehensively. It began with a primary memorial-writing phase, followed by intensive debate and quiz competitions, and culminated in a mock trial presided over by Magistrate Gbenga Abdullah of the Magistrate Court in Ilorin, Kwara State.
After anonymous review of memorials submitted by all participating institutions, University of Benin emerged with the best-written memorial and advanced to the semifinals alongside three other top-performing universities.
Champions Crowned and Rewarded
Following intense competition during the grand finale held last week, UNILORIN emerged as the overall champion, with Crescent University securing second place. University of Benin claimed third position, while Osun State University finished fourth.
The winning teams received substantial cash prizes, with N700,000 awarded to UNILORIN, N500,000 to Crescent University, N400,000 to UNIBEN, and N300,000 to Osun State University. Additional recognition was given to outstanding individual participants and teams for their exceptional performances.
Building Future Legal Leaders
Ibraheem Abdulrasheed, President of UNILORIN's Law Students' Society, explained that the competition aims to help aspiring lawyers develop strong advocacy skills and engage with real-life legal scenarios. He emphasized that the initiative reflects the commitment of both the LSS and the honoree to raising a new generation of lawyers who are not only academically grounded but also courtroom-ready.
During the event, David Ogundipe, Lead Partner at Earnest Attorneys LP and UNILORIN alumnus, stressed the importance of continuous skill development for aspiring lawyers. He highlighted that the legal profession demands diligence, discipline, and commitment to lifelong learning, urging young lawyers to cultivate these qualities early in their careers.
The honoree, Prince Lukman Fagbemi, SAN, expressed appreciation for the competition organized in his honor, noting that such initiatives help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application for law students. He pledged continued support to ensure the competition becomes an annual event as proposed by organizers, describing this commitment as part of his efforts to give back to the faculty that shaped his legal career.
The grand finale was attended by Prof. Muritala Sambo, a professor of constitutional law who represented the Dean of UNILORIN's Faculty of Law, Prof. Bashir Omipidan, along with other faculty members, friends, and professional colleagues of Prince Lukman Fagbemi.
