Faculty of Law to Introduce Arbitration, Alternative Dispute Resolution into Its Curriculum 

By Happy Ajuebon, Odumosu Grace, Olanipekun Ayooluwa, Ajibola Oyindamola

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Faculty of Law is set to introduce arbitration and alternative dispute resolution into its curriculum as part of efforts to reposition students for emerging trends in legal practice.

The dean of the faculty, Abiola Sanni, said the curriculum review is aimed at strengthening practical legal training and ensuring graduates are future-ready.

Sanni, who spoke in an interview with UNILAG Sun, described the faculty as Nigeria’s foremost centre for legal education, citing its academic depth and professional standing.

“We are the faculty of law. I’m proudly the flagship of the University of Lagos. The management and the entire university are very proud of our contributions,” he said.

According to him, the faculty is the only one in Nigeria with 21 professors and eight senior advocates of Nigeria (SANs), noting that the SAN rank is equivalent to the Queen’s Counsel in the United Kingdom.

Sanni attributed the faculty’s strong reputation to its emphasis on practical legal training, explaining that students are exposed to real-world aspects of law beyond theoretical learning.

“Our students go to Harvard and Cambridge, and they excel because the foundation is there,” he said.

“When our students go to law school, they are already imagined as the best.”

He also revealed that 43 UNILAG law graduates recently earned first-class honours at the Nigerian Law School, describing the feat as unprecedented.

The senior advocate expressed confidence that the record would be surpassed in subsequent years.

Beyond curriculum reforms, Sanni disclosed that the faculty is undergoing infrastructural upgrades to improve students’ learning experience. 

These include renovated classrooms, the construction of a new library, upgraded restrooms, expanded study lounges, and improved relaxation areas.

He said the goal is to create a conducive and inspiring environment that supports academic excellence and enhances students’ overall university experience.

Sanni added that the introduction of courses such as arbitration and alternative dispute resolution reflects the faculty’s commitment to aligning legal education with contemporary practice and global standards.