IBBU Lapai Faculty of Law Hosts Historic Pioneer Mentorship Luncheon; Jonathan Taidi Gunu, SAN, Advocates Professional Integrity

The Faculty of Law, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, has successfully held its maiden Mentorship Luncheon with the Theme: “Mentoring Excellence: Shaping the Future of Legal Practice, Leadership and Service” aimed at nurturing the next generation of legal practitioners through mentorship, integrity, excellence, and professional development.

The historic event took place at the Faculty Boardroom and brought together University Management, Legal Luminaries, Academics, and pioneer law students for an engaging and inspiring interaction

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Mohammed Aliyu Bello, described the maiden mentorship luncheon as a landmark event in the history of the Faculty of Law. 

He recalled the tremendous efforts invested in establishing the Faculty, noting that he was actively involved in every critical stage of its development, including curriculum design, accreditation processes, and engagements with relevant regulatory bodies.

According to him, the successful establishment of the Faculty remains one of the University's most significant achievements, making him particularly delighted to witness the growth and progress being recorded.

Professor Bello commended the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Abdulmumini Bala Ahmed, for providing visionary leadership and laying a solid foundation for the Faculty's growth. 

He noted that the pioneer students are privileged to learn under the mentorship of experienced academics and legal professionals who will shape their future careers. He encouraged the students to take advantage of such opportunities, embrace mentorship, uphold ethical standards, and pursue academic and professional excellence, stressing that the values they acquire today will guide them throughout their legal careers.

In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Abdulmumini Bala Ahmed, expressed profound appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their unwavering support towards the establishment and development of the Faculty. He described the occasion as a historic milestone and an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between legal education and professional practice.

Professor Ahmed also paid glowing tribute to the Chairman and Sponsor of the Mentorship Luncheon, Barrister Jonathan Taidi Gunu, SAN, whom he described as a distinguished legal practitioner, an embodiment of integrity, and a role model for aspiring lawyers. He revealed that the Senior Advocate generously sponsored the event with the sum of ₦650,000, a gesture he said demonstrated a deep commitment to legal education, youth development, and mentorship. According to him, the luncheon was designed to expose students to practical insights from accomplished legal professionals and prepare them for the realities of legal practice.

Addressing the pioneer students, the Dean emphasized that mentorship, integrity, and excellence remain the pillars of a successful legal career.

He explained that while academic learning provides the foundation for legal education, character, ethics, and professional discipline are what ultimately distinguish great lawyers. 

He urged the students to cultivate honesty, accountability, respect for rules, and a strong culture of reading and research, challenging them to pursue excellence in all aspects of their lives.  

He reminded them that as the pioneer class, their achievements and conduct would define the reputation and legacy of the Faculty of Law for generations to come. He encouraged them to aspire to become future Senior Advocates, judges, legislators, academics, and policymakers who will contribute meaningfully to justice, good governance, and national development.

Delivering his keynote presentation as Chairman of the Occasion and Sponsor of the Maiden Mentorship Luncheon, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barrister Jonathan Taidi Gunu, called on the pioneer students of the Faculty of Law, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, to embrace mentorship, integrity and excellence as the pillars upon which successful legal careers are built.

He described the establishment of the Faculty of Law as a landmark achievement and reminded the students that, as the pioneer class, they bear the responsibility of shaping the Faculty's reputation and legacy. Drawing from over two decades of legal practice, he noted that the legal profession remains one of society's noblest callings, requiring not only intellectual competence but also discipline, character, and a strong commitment to justice and ethical conduct. He urged the students to become worthy ambassadors of the institution by setting standards that future generations would emulate.

Speaking of mentorship and integrity, Barrister Gunu emphasized that no individual attains greatness in isolation, stressing that successful lawyers and leaders are products of guidance, support, and inspiration from mentors. 

He encouraged the students to seek mentorship from lecturers, judges, legal practitioners, and accomplished professionals while cultivating humility and a willingness to learn. He further described integrity as the foundation of the legal profession, noting that clients, courts, and society place immense trust in lawyers.

According to him, academic certificates may open doors, but integrity determines long-term relevance, credibility, and respect. He therefore urged the students to build reputations based on honesty, accountability, professionalism, and ethical conduct, reminding them that character remains the most valuable asset any lawyer can possess.

Barrister Gunu also challenged the students to pursue excellence through hard work, continuous learning, research, innovation, and the acquisition of digital and leadership skills required for the evolving legal profession. He noted that technology, globalization, and emerging legal fields are transforming legal practice, making it necessary for future lawyers to think beyond the classroom.

In their separate goodwill messages, former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch, Barrister Afam Okeke, NBA Niger State Publicity Secretary, Barrister Fatima Muhammad Alfa, alongside Barrister Abdulmumin Jibrin, Barrister Nasir Kontagora, and Alfa Muhammad, congratulated the pioneer students on securing admission into one of the country's most competitive programmes. 

They encouraged them to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence, expressing confidence that the class would produce future Senior Advocates of Nigeria, judges, Attorneys-General, Chief Judges, and even Chief Justices of Nigeria. 

The speakers assured the students of the support of the legal community and urged them to make the most of the rare opportunity before them.

Highlight of the event was mentorship Dialogue, question and answers session and a group photograph