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In a significant contribution to legal education and academic development, Olori Hon. Justice Dame Rakiya Bosede Haastrup, JP, KSJ, has donated law books of various categories alongside library shelves worth millions of naira to the Faculty of Law Library of the University of Ilesa, Osun State.
The symbolic presentation ceremony that took place at Ilesa residence of Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesa was attended by university officials, library staff, including her husband, His Royal Majesty Sir Jacob Adetayo Haastrup, PhD, the Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesa Kingdom.
Speaking during the presentation, Justice Haastrup expressed her appreciation to the Governing Council and the Vice-Chancellor for creating an enabling environment for stakeholders to contribute to the growth of the institution.
"I want to appreciate the Governing Council for making it possible for the Vice-Chancellor to be here and to thank the Vice-Chancellor for his doggedness in steering the affairs of the university in a progressive direction. I am grateful for the opportunity given to me to contribute my own little quota to the development of the university, particularly the Faculty of Law, which is my constituency," she said.
She emphasized that the donation was aimed at strengthening legal education and equipping students with the resources necessary for academic excellence and research.
"By donating these books to the Faculty of Law, we are developing the students and impacting knowledge in them because they are the leaders of tomorrow. By the grace of God, this is not the end; it will continue. We must build up the Faculty of Law with legal materials that will assist students in their legal research and academic pursuits. Law is evolving, and we are now talking about Artificial Intelligence and other emerging areas. Anything that will enhance the knowledge of law students, I will not hesitate to support," Justice Haastrup added.
She further assured the university of her readiness to provide additional support whenever necessary and encouraged the university librarian to identify areas where further assistance might be required.
In response, the University Librarian, representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, expressed profound gratitude to Justice Haastrup for the generous donation.
"On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and the entire University community, we express our profound appreciation for this remarkable gesture. What you have done goes beyond the Faculty of Law; it is a contribution to the advancement of human knowledge and research in our institution," he stated.
According to him, the donated books and shelves would enrich the university's collections, enhance learning opportunities for students, and strengthen the Faculty of Law's capacity, particularly in accreditation exercises.
He further disclosed that a dedicated section would be created within the Faculty of Law Library to house the donated collections, with Justice Haastrup's name permanently engraved in recognition of her contribution.
"We are putting it on record that a special place will be carved out in the Faculty of Law Library where all your donated collections will be preserved, and your name will be engraved. Future generations of law students will continue to benefit from this noble act," he said.
Justice Haastrup, a former Chief Registrar of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria and now one of the court's senior judges, also announced plans to institute an annual prize award for the best graduating student in Labour Law at the university.
The donation further underscores her longstanding commitment to the development of Ijesaland. Although an indigene of Gombe State, Justice Haastrup has consistently supported developmental initiatives across Ijesaland through her marriage ties. She has previously contributed to major projects, including the construction of the new palace and the establishment of a geriatric centre, alongside her husband.
Speaking at the event, the Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesa Kingdom, Sir Jacob Adetayo Haastrup, thanked God for blessing him with a supportive wife who remains deeply committed to the progress of Ijesaland and its institutions.
Present at the handover ceremony were the University Librarian, Mr. Adewale Amobi Ogundipe; Chief Library Officer, Mr. Adebisi Fisayo Olanrewaju; Higher Library Officer, Mrs. Toyin Omolola Oni; Chief Library Officer, Mr. I. O. Agunbiade; and the University Public Relations Officer, Mr. Babatunde Fonawopo.
The donation has been widely commended as a major boost to legal education and research at the University of Ilesa and a demonstration of Justice Haastrup's enduring commitment to educational advancement and community development.











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