Caleb University Law College celebrates pioneer students, record-breaking quota at 2026 dinner

The Caleb University College of Law, Magodo, on Friday marked the grand finale of its annual Law Week with a historic Bar Dinner celebrating its pioneer graduating class of 42 students heading to the Nigerian Law School later this year. The gathering brought together jurists, legal scholars, senior advocates, policymakers, corporate partners, and distinguished members of the legal community to chart a path for the future of legal advocacy in the country. The atmosphere at the grand event reflected the elegance, intellectual depth, and ceremonial tradition associated with legal culture and professional advancement. The proceedings, according to a statement issued by Caleb University’s Principal Information and Media Expert, Olawale Adekoya, commenced with a stately academic procession led by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, musical interludes by the institution’s Priesthood Orchestra and carefully curated dinner courses complemented the evening’s blend of scholarship, mentorship, and institutional celebration. In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, charged the next generation of practitioners to view the law as a tool for societal transformation rather than mere professional advancement. Asikhia, who spoke on the topic: “Law, Leadership, and Legacy: Preparing Advocacy for Impact,”emphasised that impactful advocacy requires rigorous preparation, integrity, and ethical responsibility. He said: “The law, in its highest form, is not just about statutes and judgments—it is about the lives we touch, the rights we defend, and the society we shape. Leadership is choosing integrity over expediency, preparation over improvisation, and service over status. “This dinner is not merely a social event. It is a commission. A reminder that before we are lawyers, we are advocates for impact.” The Lagos CJ, who also serves as Co-Chair of the Caleb University College Board, commended the institution’s rapid growth and strict adherence to professional standards. “The rigorous training and values being instilled in these students are precisely what the Nigerian judiciary needs today. True legal ministers are forged through discipline, ethics, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Caleb University is undeniably setting a commendable benchmark in legal scholarship,” Alogba stated. The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), who graced the occasion, lauded the university’s initiative in bridging academic learning with real-world professional ethos. “Lagos State remains committed to partnering with forward-thinking institutions that prioritize institutional excellence and legal reforms. The exceptional skills demonstrated by these young advocates give us immense hope for the future of our justice sector. We will continue to support ecosystems that cultivate such high-caliber professionals,” Pedro said. A major highpoint of the evening was the celebration of the College’s pioneer graduating class of 42 students admitted five years ago. Marking the historic milestone, the Acting Dean of the College of Law, Dr. Olugbenga Asaaju, described their journey as a testament to resilience, institutional vision, and academic excellence. Asaaju revealed that Caleb University recently achieved a major regulatory breakthrough following extensive accreditation exercises. The College recorded an impressive 94.6 percent compliance rating from the Council of Legal Education (CLE) and 96.8 per cent from the National Universities Commission (NUC). This exceptional performance earned the institution a historic increase in its admission quota from 50 to 110 students — a rare feat among emerging law faculties in Nigeria that underscores the College’s growing national relevance. The Dean paid glowing tribute to the Founder of Caleb University, Dr. Oladega Adebogun, for his unwavering support in infrastructure, accreditation and academic expansion. The Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Dr. Sophia Franklin-Abiri, expressed profound gratitude to the university management and partners on the successful hosting of the event. “The intellectual centerpiece of the evening featured a captivating Dinner Lecture that successfully bridged academic rigor with professional reflection,” Franklin-Abiri noted. The event also spotlighted the institution’s remarkable advocacy and moot court achievements. Caleb University was celebrated for emerging as the sole West African representative at the 34th Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition hosted at the University of Cape Town, competing against leading universities from across the continent. Nationally, the College emerged as South-West zonal champions and secured third position overall at the prestigious “From Theory to Trials” moot competition in Abuja. The College also qualified for the semi-finals of a major national moot competition at the University of Ilorin. Another major highlight of the evening was the formal swearing-in of newly elected LAWSA Executives, signalling a renewed commitment to student leadership, professional responsibility, and participatory governance within the College community. The celebration equally recorded another institutional milestone with the official launch of the Caleb University College of Law Journal, a development expected to strengthen legal scholarship, research dissemination, and critical engagement with contemporary jurisprudential issues.