The former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Christopher Adebayo Ojo, SAN, popularly known as Chief Bayo Ojo, has pledged his commitment to ensuring the successful take-off of the Faculty of Law at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL). The Senior Advocate of Nigeria who hails from Kogi State, gave the assurance recently when a team of management led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

Speaking during the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor paid glowing tributes to the renowned legal luminary for his support and blessings, acknowledging the warm reception and valuable guidance he provided him immediately after he assumed office as the 3^rd Vice-Chancellor of FUL.

Professor Akinwumi highlighted some of his administration's achievements including the infrastructural development of the University and the additional programmes established within a short time which have made FUL a fast-growing University of all choices, saying "We are now the best among the Federal Universities established within the same period."

He added that his determination to attract more funding for the rapid development of the thirteen-year-old University, amidst dwindling financial allocation by the Government, necessitated his frequent calls and visits to well-meaning indigenes of Kogi State and Nigerians at large to support him in achieving his lofty vision for the Institution.

Professor Akinwumi, therefore, seized the opportunity to thank those who have heeded the clarion call and supported the University in achieving its present level of development, appealing for more support, particularly from those who have indicated interest or made pledges.

The VC informed the SAN that his administration was in the process of adding Law to the list of programmes run by the University and briefed him on the progress made so far. He said plans were underway for the resource verification by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the advisory visit of the Council of Legal Education (CLE), adding that the construction of the Faculty of Law building has commenced in earnest. He solicited the support of the former Minister of Justice towards ensuring that FUL has the best Faculty of Law in Nigeria, stressing that any structure he donated would be named after him.

Reacting, Chief Bayo Ojo, who expressed happiness over the level of development in FUL, thanked the University Management for the visit, describing the proposed Law programme as a laudable project and a step in the right direction. He noted that he was not surprised at the progress being recorded in the University under Professor Akinwumi-led administration, having known the Vice-Chancellor's antecedents and track record.

The former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) recalled the role he played along with others in the establishment of the Federal University Lokoja, pledging his unalloyed support to the University and the administration. He promised to donate structure and Law books for the programme, facilitate access to databases, and rally his friends to support the new Faculty and the Institution.

Earlier in her remarks, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Emily I. Alemika, gave an overview of the efforts made by the University Management and her team, as well as other key areas that needed more intervention for the smooth commencement of the programme. The delegation from the University also included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Professor M.S. Audu; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Abdullahi E. Bala; the acting Registrar, Mr. Vincent Ifedayo Ojo; the University Librarian, Professor Sarah Dauda Yani; the University Public Relations Officer, Mr. Daniel I. Nwankwo; and the ICT/Media Assistant in VC’s Office, Mr. Chris Yahaya; among others. See more pictures here