Delivering the 2020 Law Students Public Lecture of Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Edo State, entitled ‘The Legal Profession’ on Saturday, the judge told law graduates of the institution and other lawyers who aim for success to make prudence, honesty and integrity their watchword.

He added, “Despite the digitalisation of our age, these virtues are as much required by lawyers today as they were one century ago.”

The Dean, College of Law, IUO, Prof. Rasheed Ijaodola, tasked the graduating law students to be hardworking, describing the law profession as noble and the best among the various disciplines.

At the event, which doubled as a valedictory ceremony for the law students, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, was honoured alongside former governor of Anambra State and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice presidential candidate in the last general election, Peter Obi, for their selfless service to their fatherland.

Vice-chancellor of the university, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, said the recipients were recognised for demonstrating rare qualities in the country’s political development.

Ezemonye said the institution, which is the first private university in the country, carefully selected the duo as recipients of the ivory tower’s award for many reasons including their devotion to the uplift of mankind.

The VC said all hands must be on deck in the promotion of academic excellence in the country, urging government and political leaders to give priority attention to quality education for a robust educational system in the country. While admonishing the graduating students to remain focused and hardworking, he added, “Law graduates from Igbinedion University have been changing the trajectory of our country and indeed the world.”

The representative of the minister, Mrs. Pauline Igbanor, appreciated the institution for the award, describing it as a call to service and an attestation of the institution’s determination to promote excellence and ensure societal growth and development.