It was a massive homecoming for the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat O.M. Kekere-Ekun, GCON as she returned to her alma-mata: University of Lagos, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to deliver a Public Lecture on Justice in the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology for an Efficient and Accessible Judiciary.
Organised by the Faculty of Law, UNILAG at the Tayo Aderinokun Lecture Theatre of the University, the Public Lecture witnessed a distinguished gathering of leading figures from the legal and academic sectors, including renowned legal luminary who is also Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of UNILAG Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN; UNILAG management team led by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, as well as alumni, staff, and students of the institution.
The roll call of dignitaries at the event included the representative of Governor Babajide O. Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, and husband of the CJN, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR.
In her welcome address, Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, lauded the CJN as a shining product of the Faculty of Law and distinguished alumna of the University.
The institution’s helmswoman emphasized the relevance of the lecture and the need for justice to be efficient, transparent, and inclusive in the digital era. She re-affirmed the university’s commitment to digital transformation and preparing students for the future of law.
In his remarks, distingusihed Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence, Professor Akin Oyebode, who chaired the lecture, commended the CJN for her deeply reflective and forward-looking address.
He urged the audience to internalize the CJN’s message and contribute to reshaping Nigeria’s judicial landscape.
Describing it as a “rare opportunity” for students to engage directly with a towering figure in Nigerian jurisprudence, he thanked the organisers for considering him worthy to chair the event, despite having retired from active academic service.
Similarly, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Abiola Sanni, SAN, expressed gratitude to the CJN for honoring the institution, and delivering a thought-provoking lecture. While celebrating Justice Kekere-Ekun’s exemplary career, Professor Sanni noted that the public lecture re-inforced UNILAG’s role as a catalyst for legal reform.
The lecture: Justice in the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology for an Efficient and Accessible Judiciary
The lecture presented by Hon. Justice Kudirat O.M. Kekere-Ekun, GCON reflected the varied public perceptions of justice in Nigeria and underscored the urgent need for reform rooted in transparency, accessibility, and public trust.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria expressed her vision for a judiciary that is fair, timely, lawful, and humane, continually evolving with the demands of a modern society. She emphasized the need for the Nigerian judiciary to adopt digital technology to enhance justice delivery, improve efficiency, and increase accessibility.
According to her, the judiciary must not remain insulated from the sweeping technological changes redefining governance, commerce, and civil society.
The CJN noted that digital innovations can streamline court processes, promote transparency, reduce case backlogs, and eliminate geographical and financial barriers to accessing justice. She also mentioned the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing operational efficiency, legal research, and decision support.
While highlighting ongoing efforts to integrate technology into judicial processes including virtual court proceedings, digital recording and transcription, e-filing, and case management systems, Justice Kekere-Ekun pointed out challenges affecting these efforts, such as uneven access to reliable electricity, internet, and basic IT tools across Nigerian courts.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria advocated for continuous training and sensitization of court staff, legal practitioners, and judges to effectively use digital platforms; updating of procedural rules and evidence frameworks to reflect the realities of the digital age; and adoption of robust protocols to safeguard sensitive digital information from cyber-attacks and data breaches.
She also emphasized the need for adequate funding, institutional ownership, and consistent maintenance to ensure the sustainability of digital transformation in the judiciary.
Her words, “Digital justice demands a shift in mindset among judges, lawyers, and court administrators, one that embraces innovation, transparency, and efficiency.”
Stakeholders Echo Support For Judicial Reforms
Following the Chief Justice of Nigeria’s inspiring lecture, distinguished stakeholders took the stage to share insights on the evolving landscape of the legal system in a digital age.
Among them was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the UNILAG Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, who echoed the CJN’s call for greater accountability and integrity within the judiciary. He noted that “in an age where technology heightens public scrutiny, justice must go beyond verdicts; it must be seen to be fair and inspire public confidence”. He commended the CJN for her “insightful and timely” address.
Other speakers who offered various perspectives to the lecture included the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba; immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Lanre Fagbohun, SAN; Dr. Kemi Omotubora of the UNILAG Faculty of Law, whose research focuses on law and emerging technologies; and Miss Chidera Okoro, a 500-level law student, representing the next generation of legal minds.
Courtesy Call to the Vice Chancellor’s Office
Upon arrival at the Akoka campus of UNILAG, Justice Kekere-Ekun, accompanied by her husband, Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, was warmly welcomed and escorted to the Senate House office of the Vice-Chancellor by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Distinguished Professor Taiwo Oshipitan, SAN, and other members of the Committee.
At the office, she was warmly received by Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, and other members of the university’s management team, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Professor Bola Oboh; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Afolabi Lesi; Registrar, Mrs. V. Abosede Wickliffe; Bursar, Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Adekunle; University Librarian, Professor Christopher Okiki; Provost, College of Medicine, Professor Ademola Oremosu; and Director, Academic Planning, Professor Mathew Olusoji Ilori.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede/ Favour Megwara ( Student Volunteer)
