The University of Ilorin has clinched first position in the maiden edition of the Moot and Mock competition organised by the Law Students’ Society (LSS) in collaboration with Lukman O. Fagbemi & Co.
About 20 universities across Nigeria participated in the contest, including the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Benin, and the host institution, UNILORIN.
At the end of the finals, UNILORIN emerged overall champion, while Crescent University took second place. The University of Benin finished third, and Osun State University placed fourth.
Speaking during the grand finale, the President of UNILORIN LSS, Ibraheem Abdulrasheed, announced that the top four teams received cash prizes of N700,000, N500,000, N400,000, and N300,000 respectively. He added that several individual participants and teams were also honoured with awards in different categories.
Abdulrasheed explained that the competition was introduced to help aspiring lawyers develop strong advocacy abilities and engage with real-life legal scenarios in a practical environment. He noted that the event was held in honour of Prince Lukman Fagbemi, SAN, a UNILORIN alumnus and former LSS President (2007/2008 session).
The competition featured multiple stages, including a memorial-writing phase, debate and quiz rounds, and a mock trial presided over by Magistrate Gbenga Abdullah of the Magistrate Court, Ilorin.
After an anonymous review of submitted memorials, UNIBEN emerged as the university with the best-written memorial and proceeded to the semifinals alongside three others.
The LSS President added that the competition demonstrated the dedication of both the Society and the honouree to raising a new generation of academically grounded and courtroom-ready lawyers.
Delivering his address, David Ogundipe, Lead Partner at Earnest Attorneys LP and UNILORIN alumnus, emphasised the need for aspiring lawyers to continually sharpen their advocacy skills, uphold integrity, and remain committed to lifelong learning. He said the legal profession demands discipline, diligence, and preparedness.
In his remarks, Prince Lukman Fagbemi, SAN, expressed appreciation to the LSS for organising the competition in his honour. He described the initiative as a valuable platform that bridges theory and practice for law students, helping them gain practical exposure and improve their courtroom competence.
He pledged continued support to ensure the competition becomes an annual event, noting that it forms part of his efforts to give back to the faculty that shaped his legal career.
The event was attended by Professor Muritala Sambo, representing the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Bashir Omipidan, alongside lecturers, colleagues, and associates of the honouree.