A graduate of the University of Ilorin’s Faculty of Law, Israel Adekunle Adeniyi, has been named the Best Graduating Student of the Nigerian Law School for 2026, completing one of the most remarkable academic runs in recent Nigerian legal education history.
Adeniyi, who enrolled at the Lagos Campus of the Nigerian Law School, topped his class to emerge as the overall best graduating student, adding yet another landmark achievement to an already exceptional academic record.
The feat comes two years after he graduated from the University of Ilorin in 2024 with a First Class Honours degree, where he was also named the Best Graduating Student of the Faculty of Law with a CGPA of 4.83, the highest ever recorded in the faculty’s history.
His back-to-back best graduating student titles, from UNILORIN to the Nigerian Law School, have earned him widespread praise from legal practitioners and education stakeholders across the country.
The Dean of the Faculty of Law at UNILORIN, Prof. Bashiru Adeniyi Omipidan, described the achievement as unprecedented, noting that it was only the second time in the faculty’s history that it had produced the overall best graduating student at the Nigerian Law School.
“This is one of the greatest achievements in the history of the Faculty,” Omipidan said, adding that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, was equally delighted by the feat.
The dean attributed the success to the dedication of the faculty’s academic staff, the supportive university administration and the determination of the students themselves.
Adeniyi, speaking in a telephone chat, expressed gratitude to God and his parents for their prayers, support and sacrifices throughout his academic journey.
He also commended the University of Ilorin for giving him a solid foundation through quality legal education, effective mentorship and a culture of excellence that prepared him for success at the Law School.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
