As part of its academic and professional engagements, the College of Law, McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State, on Thursday, 29 January 2025, organised a Human Rights Awareness Day as one of the programmes in its three-day series aimed at informing, inspiring, and empowering members of the university community.

In his keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor of McPherson University, Professor Francis Igbasan, who served as the Chief Host, emphasized the central role of human rights in promoting justice, inclusion, and social harmony. He noted that the programme was particularly relevant at a time when Nigeria continues to confront complex social and institutional challenges, stressing that respect for human dignity and equality remains essential to national development and peaceful coexistence.

Professor Igbasan emphasized that human rights are essential for promoting equality, dignity, and justice, while also acknowledging persistent challenges including gender inequality, ethnic tensions, police brutality, and socioeconomic disparities. He stressed the need for strong legal frameworks, effective enforcement mechanisms, and responsible leadership to safeguard the rights of all citizens.

Addressing students of the College of Law, the Vice-Chancellor urged them to see themselves as future advocates for justice and social change. He noted that their training at McPherson University equips them to defend the vulnerable, influence policy reforms, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of human rights in Nigeria.

The guest lecturer, Ms. Uju Peace Okeke, a human rights expert and lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, delivered a comprehensive lecture on the concept of human rights. Her presentation examined the legal regime of human rights, equality and dignity for vulnerable groups, the effects of non-protection, prevailing challenges, and practical strategies for advancing protection.

She further focused her lecture on human rights issues affecting women, drawing attention to gender-based discrimination, unequal access to education and economic opportunities, and the prevalence of violence against women. Ms. Okeke stressed the need for stronger legal protections, effective enforcement of existing laws, and increased public awareness to address these challenges, noting that the protection of women’s rights is central to achieving equality, dignity, and sustainable development in Nigeria.

In her remarks, the Acting Dean of the College of Law, Dr. Oluwanike Oguntokun, stated that human rights guarantee respect, freedom, dignity, and protection for every individual regardless of race, gender, religion, or social status. She reaffirmed the College’s commitment to educating and empowering the community, describing awareness as a critical first step toward the effective protection of human rights.

The programme featured an interactive question-and-answer session and the presentation of awards, including a recognition award to the Vice-Chancellor for his continuous support of the College of Law, as well as a special award to Dr. Oluwanike Oguntokun in recognition of her role as the pioneer dean and first staff member of the College of Law.