Historic Milestone as Benue Community Celebrates Scholar’s Elevation
LAGOS, September 5, 2026 — History was made today at the University of Lagos as Benue indigenes, academics, friends, family members and well-wishers gathered in their numbers to celebrate the elevation of Dr. Simon Viashima Akaayar to the prestigious rank of Professor of Law at the University of Lagos Faculty of Law.
The historic celebration, which attracted a large gathering within the university community, marked what is being celebrated as a significant milestone for Benue State and the wider North-Central region.
Professor Simon Viashima Akaayar is celebrated as the first Benue indigene to attain the rank of Professor of Law at the University of Lagos, making his elevation a remarkable achievement in the history of the institution and a source of immense pride to the people of Benue.
The celebration commenced with a thanksgiving service earlier in the morning, followed by a grand reception at Tolulope Gbe… Hall, University of Lagos, where dignitaries, academics, traditional leaders, colleagues, friends and members of the Benue community gathered to honour the new professor.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, was the Special Guest of Honour and was ably represented at the occasion by Dr. Chris Orseer Awanger. Several other distinguished guests and dignitaries were also in attendance.
The Tor Tiv of the Tiv people in Lagos was present at the celebration, while the leadership of the Idoma community in Lagos also joined the gathering in honour of the Benue-born scholar.
Members of the University of Lagos academic community, fellow professors, colleagues, friends and some of Professor Akaayar’s former teachers at the Faculty of Law were also present to celebrate the remarkable achievement.
The atmosphere at the reception was electric as guests were treated to spectacular cultural performances. The Tiv cultural troupe thrilled the audience with energetic traditional dances, while the Idoma cultural troupe responded with captivating performances, including the renowned Ogirinya dance.
The colourful cultural display added a distinct Benue identity to the historic occasion and transformed the university environment into a celebration of scholarship, heritage and communal pride.
For many of those present, the sheer size of the crowd was itself a testimony to the impact and reputation of Professor Akaayar. The gathering brought together academics, professionals, traditional leaders, friends and members of different Benue communities united in celebrating one of their own.
A Scholar’s Remarkable Journey
Professor Simon Viashima Akaayar’s journey to the professorial rank is marked by years of academic and professional excellence.
He graduated with a degree in Law in 2004 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2006. He subsequently obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in 2010 and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Commercial Law in 2014.
He is a distinguished scholar of Corporate and Commercial Law, with particular expertise in Commercial Regulation.
His professional philosophy is anchored on Professionalism, Results-orientation, Innovation, Market-evolving ideas and Excellence.
His elevation to Professor of Law therefore represents not only a personal academic triumph but also a significant achievement for Benue State and the University of Lagos.
A New Chapter in Benue’s Academic History
As congratulations continue to pour in from across Nigeria, the elevation of Professor Simon Viashima Akaayar stands as an inspiring reminder of the contribution of Benue scholars to Nigeria’s academic and professional development.
For the people of Benue, today is more than a celebration of one man’s achievement. It is a celebration of excellence, perseverance, scholarship and the limitless possibilities of the Benue spirit.
Professor Simon Viashima Akaayar has made history. And today, the University of Lagos witnessed Benue celebrate one of its finest academic achievements in grand style.
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