By Fresh Facts Magazine Staff Reporter
Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) was aglow with celebration as the Advocate for Good Governance in Nigeria (AFGIN) on Thursday conferred its prestigious Certificate of Noble Prize for Excellence on the Institute’s Director-General, Professor Abdulqadir Ibrahim Abikan, recognizing him as an “Icon of Hope to Humanity.”
The event, held at the NIALS headquarters in Abuja, brought together senior academics, legal professionals, and representatives of civil society to celebrate a man described as “a beacon of knowledge, integrity, and moral leadership.”
Representing the Executive Director of AFGIN, the organization’s Director of Programmes, Dr. Monday Ojomah, delivered a stirring speech in honor of the award recipient. He described Professor Abikan as “a rare gem whose life’s work bridges academia, governance, and moral mentorship.”
“Today’s occasion is not merely about the presentation of an award,” Dr. Ojomah noted. “It is a symbolic acknowledgment of a life dedicated to truth, justice, and the pursuit of a better society.”
Tracing AFGIN’s mission since its establishment in 2018, Dr. Ojomah said the organization remains committed to promoting ethical leadership, accountability, and sustainable national development. He emphasized that true governance begins with individuals who, “by the strength of their character and vision, inspire others to build a nation anchored on justice, knowledge, and compassion.”
He lauded Professor Abikan’s academic and professional contributions, describing him as “a transformative leader whose intellect and humility have shaped generations of Nigerian legal minds.”
“You have not only expanded the frontiers of legal scholarship but have also mentored countless young Nigerians who today occupy respected positions in law, governance, and academia,” he said.
“Beyond academia, your voice has been a guiding conscience in national discourse — championing the rule of law and defending human rights.”
Dr. Ojomah noted that the “Icon of Hope to Humanity” award is a public affirmation of Professor Abikan’s lifelong dedication to justice and knowledge, adding that AFGIN celebrates him as a “nation builder and moral exemplar.”
Professor Abdulqadir Ibrahim Abikan (LL.B, BL, Ph.D) is a renowned scholar of Islamic Finance and Corporate Management Law with over two decades of teaching, research, and community engagement. He has served at several institutions, including the University of Ilorin, the International Islamic University Malaysia, and the University of Brunei Darussalam.
A former Dean of Law at both the University of Ilorin and Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Professor Abikan has also served as President of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT) and the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN). He has published over 50 scholarly works in reputable journals and has presented papers at international conferences across the globe.
He is also a visiting professor to several universities within and outside Nigeria and currently serves as the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, where he continues to shape policy, research, and leadership in Nigeria’s legal sector.
In his brief but emotional response, Professor Abikan expressed deep appreciation to AFGIN for the recognition, dedicating the award to “all those who still believe that Nigeria can rise through integrity, hard work, and faith.”
“I accept this award with humility and gratitude,” he said. “For me, it is not only a personal honor but a reminder of the responsibility we all share — to use knowledge as a tool for justice, peace, and national development.”
The NIALS Director-General praised AFGIN for promoting ethical leadership and urged Nigerian scholars and professionals to see excellence as a duty to the nation.
“We must continue to build institutions that reflect our highest values — fairness, compassion, and accountability. That is the only way to give hope to humanity,” he added.
The event concluded with a symbolic presentation of the certificate and a group photograph featuring the AFGIN delegation, NIALS management team, and invited dignitaries.
The Advocate for Good Governance in Nigeria (AFGIN) is a Lagos-based non-governmental organization established in 2018. It is dedicated to promoting ethical governance, leadership accountability, and sustainable national development through advocacy, public enlightenment, and awards that celebrate integrity and excellence in public service.
