Twin siblings— Taiwo Osipitan and Kehinde Olayinka— are both professors at the University of Lagos. Taiwo, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, lectures in the Law Faculty, while Kehinde teaches Analytical and Environmental Chemistry. They speak to NAOMI CHIMA about their relationship, careers, and other issues

 How did your upbringing influence your career choice and values?

I was born to a father— Bayo Osipitan— who was a lawyer of blessed memory. He never compelled or directly influenced me to follow his path, but I was greatly inspired by observing him. I remember accompanying him to court while I was in Form 2 or 3. He was always impeccably dressed, spoke fluent Queen’s English, and was a successful legal practitioner by the standards of his generation. That experience shaped my decision to become a lawyer first, before evolving into a law lecturer and eventually a professor of law.

Did you apply your father’s strict approach to raising your own children, or did you adopt a different method?

You can only give what you have. I was raised by a very strict father, and I maintained that strictness in raising my children. Today, they’re grateful for it. Although they initially thought I was being harsh, they’ve all come to appreciate the discipline.

If you had not become a lawyer, what other career paths might you have considered?

Honestly, I’m not sure. But given my love for reading and writing, and the fact that I was active in the press club in school, I likely would have become a journalist like you.

What hobbies or activities bring you joy outside of work?

I enjoy watching good movies on television, especially those that offer valuable life lessons. I also enjoy social gatherings with friends, though I’m not a fan of nightclubs. Spending time with extended family at functions gives me peace and happiness.

What’s your favourite food?

I’m a twin, and as the saying goes, beans excite us.

What self-care practices do you prioritise to maintain your well-being?

As I grow older, I’m mindful of my diet. I’ve cut down on sugary drinks and carbohydrate-heavy meals, opting more for vegetables and fruits. I stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, even when I’m not thirsty. I also prioritise good sleep. I’m fortunate to be able to sleep easily. Whatever the issue, once I sleep and wake up, I feel refreshed and ready to tackle it.

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

Typically, by 8 or 9 pm., I’m home. I listen to the news, watch a movie if there’s one on, then I sleep. That’s how I relax.

In your opinion, what makes a great lawyer and a great professor?

The qualities for success are universal— setting clear goals, maintaining focus, being determined, disciplined, consistent, and committed to self-development. No one becomes great overnight.

A great lawyer must be passionate about the law and society, possess strong communication and analytical skills, be well-read, have excellent research abilities, and remain curious and observant. Patience, attention to detail, and a desire to keep learning are also essential, because the law is dynamic. Above all, one must be prayerful.

A great professor, on the other hand, must be a great teacher. Communication and interpersonal skills are key, alongside a strong interest in student development, discipline, a thirst for knowledge, and solid research abilities.

What’s your advice for judges in Nigeria who face temptations that may compromise their professional ethics?

Temptations are part of life. Judges are human, and like all of us, they’ll face challenges. However, like Caesar’s wife, judges must remain above reproach and resist all temptations.

The judiciary hasn’t been spared from the corrupting influence of politicians and wealthy individuals. My advice to judges is simple— remember that the unfair dispensation of justice has consequences. Judges will one day give an account of their stewardship before their creator, without legal counsel to defend them.

A judge tainted by corruption tarnishes both personal and family reputations. A solid legacy, built on integrity, will always stand the test of time. Judges must remember that a good name is better than ill-gotten wealth. Legacy should be their guiding principle.

What do you find most satisfying as an educator and legal professional?

By God’s grace, I have been a lecturer for over 42 years, a lawyer for 44 years, a professor since 1998, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria since 2022. I have had the privilege of teaching and mentoring many individuals who are now judges of the High Court and Appellate Courts, professors of law, SANs, captains of industry, military and police officers, and politicians.

My academic publications have also been impactful. One was even cited in the Supreme Court’s decision in AG Ondo State v. AG Federation.

In my travels within and outside Nigeria, former students often recognise me and express gratitude for the role I played in their lives. Those moments—knowing I made a difference—are what I find most fulfilling.

How do you see your work as a professor and SAN impacting your field or community now and in the near future?

As an academic, I find it fulfilling that many of my publications have been cited with approval in academic works and are used as teaching materials across several universities. Between 1998 and 1999, I served as Special Adviser on Legal and Constitutional Matters to the late Admiral Mike Akhigbe, who was then the Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council. Admiral Akhigbe—one of my former constitutional law students—appointed me specifically to contribute to the modification of the 1999 Constitution.

That goal was realised through my participation in the Constitutional Debate and Coordinating Committee led by the late Justice Niki Tobi. The committee was responsible for drafting the 1999 Constitution, which was promulgated by the military administration of General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Despite criticisms that it is a “non-people’s constitution,” it has remained Nigeria’s foundational legal document (the grundnorm) for over two decades. Being part of the team that drafted the Constitution which ushered in constitutional democracy and ended military rule is a legacy I hold dear. Critics have yet to produce a viable alternative led by the people.

In practice, I have handled cases at both the High Court and Appellate levels that have become reference points in legal circles. Colleagues who’ve used these cases often commend the level of scholarship and detail in them.

There’s been ongoing debate about whether true justice exists in Nigeria. What’s your take, and what changes would you make to the legal system if given the chance?

There’s no denying that the justice sector faces serious challenges—chief among them, corruption. Unfortunately, the judiciary isn’t immune. A few bad eggs have stained the reputation of the bench. In some cases, politicians have pushed for the appointment of judges to serve their interests, while individuals with deep pockets have influenced verdicts in their favour.

Judicial appointments need to be made through a stricter, more transparent process. Merit should be the only criterion. Furthermore, delays in the justice system must be addressed. As the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied. Case backlogs, especially at the Supreme Court, should be reduced by implementing stricter conditions for appeals. The justice system must fully embrace digital tools to eliminate unnecessary delays—it’s unacceptable for judges to still be writing longhand in this digital age.

Full automation of the judiciary should be a top priority. Additionally, awarding costs on an indemnity basis to the losing party could discourage frivolous lawsuits.

How do you balance your responsibilities as a lecturer and researcher?

Time management and prioritisation are essential life skills. I divide each day between research, lecturing, and legal practice. By God’s grace, I’ve maintained this routine for over 40 years. It’s demanding but certainly achievable.

I’m fortunate to have dependable junior colleagues both within and outside the university, who help ease the workload. It truly takes a community to build anything of significance. Surrounding oneself with like-minded, conscientious individuals has been a key factor in my success.

What is your most memorable experience as a legal professional?

I once appeared in court against my mentor, the late Prof. S. A. Adesanya (SAN). He was proud of my performance and prayed for me afterward. That moment was deeply significant. Also, whenever I encounter former students practising or teaching law—whether on my side or the opposing side—I acknowledge their professionalism and silently pray for their continued success.

A good example is the Olanipekun brothers—Dr Dapo Olanipekun (SAN), and Bode Olanipekun (SAN)—both of whom are my former students and mentees. I am very proud of them.

What are the biggest challenges you face in balancing your roles as a professor, father and husband, and how have you overcome them?

When my children were young, weekends and holidays were dedicated to spending time with them. Thankfully, they’re now adults and are doing well. I also make time for my extended family, whether through calls, visits or family events.

I attend social functions to honour invitations and reconnect with friends and colleagues, but I’m not a nightlife enthusiast. That gives me time to rest and recharge.

What area of law are you most passionate about teaching?

I specialise in Evidence Law. I also teach Constitutional Law and Criminal Law—all within the public law family. I’m in my element when discussing Constitutional or Criminal Law, but I’m truly at my best when teaching Evidence. In fact, someone once nicknamed me “Mr Evidence”.

Mastering the law of evidence gives a lawyer a powerful advantage. If you understand it thoroughly, you’ll never be caught unprepared. You’ll know how to navigate virtually any legal situation.

How would you compare and contrast the way students learn today with how you were taught, and how has that influenced your approach to teaching?

There are more similarities than differences in the fundamental process of learning across generations. After all, education is about knowledge transfer. What has changed significantly is the methodology. Today, we have broader access to technology, including the Internet, artificial intelligence, and virtual learning platforms. These tools allow for comparative studies and real-time global engagement. As I’ve said before, I learn every day, and this has helped me adapt to evolving teaching methods over time.

Students today face far more distractions than we did. During our time, there were no mobile phones, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. Today’s students often engage with these, even during lectures. Many of them come straight from secondary school and are younger and less mature than we were. In our day, we typically had an “A-level” foundation before university, which made us more grounded.

Although today’s students are intellectually brilliant, they may not be as street-smart or resilient. We attended lectures and tutorials faithfully; virtual learning wasn’t even imaginable back then.

How does in-person teaching differ from virtual learning when it comes to student engagement and knowledge retention?

In a world where attention spans are already short, virtual learning poses an additional challenge. Personally, I prefer in-person teaching because it allows me to observe students’ body language and adjust my methods accordingly. It’s easier to connect, hold their attention, and know when to re-engage them directly.

Virtual classes come with their own set of issues—poor Internet connectivity, students logging in merely for attendance, or multitasking during lessons. This has affected academic performance noticeably. While virtual learning has its place, it should complement rather than replace in-person teaching. Many students mute their microphones and get distracted, which hampers real learning.

In the physical classroom, if I notice a student dozing off or losing focus, I might ask them to take a quick walk to stay alert. You can’t do that virtually. Physical presence still holds an unmatched advantage in the learning process.

Are there things you wish had changed or remained the same in academia, especially regarding teaching and learning?

There’s a lot that still needs attention. The learning environment in our universities must be improved significantly. Education isn’t just about what is taught in the classroom, it’s also about the environment in which the student learns. If that environment is substandard, it breeds mediocrity.

We also face a situation where students are pursuing side hustles alongside their education, often out of necessity. That’s why it’s vital to make the university space more engaging and conducive to full-time learning. Formal education remains a powerful tool; it should never be undervalued.

How has the integration of technology in education changed your role as a professor, especially with Gen Z students?

Technology is undoubtedly a blessing. It has accelerated the speed and depth of research and improved access to global knowledge. From that standpoint, my academic work has greatly benefited.

However, there’s a downside. Technology can lead to laziness and overdependence on tools such as ChatGPT. Some students now rely solely on these platforms without putting in the intellectual effort needed for genuine learning. Fortunately, many lecturers have also become more tech-savvy and can distinguish between original work and AI-generated submissions.

While technology enhances learning, it must be used responsibly. It should support—not replace—the mental rigour education demands.

What guidance would you offer to students aspiring to follow in your footsteps?

Hold on firmly to your values. Aim for excellence and commit yourself to steady, purposeful growth. Many in this generation are drawn to shortcuts and quick money, but real success is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and sacrifice.

Be principled, make the most of your formative years, and be willing to do the hard work necessary to reach the peak of your career. Above all, be prayerful, because achievements need grace for sustenance. Avoid the tragic fall from grace to grass.

Would you still teach if you didn’t have to?

My journey into academia wasn’t planned. During my NYSC year at the University of Lagos, the late Prof Adeogun introduced me to lecturing. Shortly after, other professors came together and offered me a lecturing position. I told them I was more interested in legal practice, but they persuaded me to give teaching a try. We agreed that I could leave the moment I grew tired of it.

That was over 40 years ago, and I’m still here. I’ve retained my passion for teaching because it’s deeply satisfying and constantly refreshing. I believe my career as a law professor was divinely orchestrated to give me the opportunity to mentor students and younger lecturers and to make a meaningful impact on their lives.

Today’s students have more tools but less focus — Prof Kehinde Olayinka

Who are you outside the academic environment?

Outside the school environment, I am a Christian, a child of God who values counselling and meaningful relationships, a wife, a mother and a grandmother, and I enjoy imparting lives physically and spiritually. I love a quiet lifestyle, just doing my own thing,  happy and content without attracting too much attention.

Can you tell us a bit about your family background?

I am from a family with three siblings, two brothers and a sister. My husband is Dipo Olayinka, an accountant, former banker and also a pastor with the Baptist Convention. I am a twin and my brother is Professor Taiwo Osipitan, a Professor of Law.

What inspired you to become a lecturer?

I didn’t start as a lecturer. I worked briefly at the Food and Drugs Administration, now NAFDAC, before becoming a research officer at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research. I love to impart knowledge and carry out research, that has always been my passion. Eventually, I felt it was time to make a change. What drew me to the university environment was the opportunity to continue research and mentor young academics. I’ve had the privilege of mentoring several PhD students, I have two others at different stages of their programs —12 mentees in total. Two are now full professors (Prof Ronke Oyiyiola and Prof Temilola Oluseyi); one is an associate professor (Dr Rose Alani), and two others (Dr Akin Abayomi and Dr Tonye Fatuse) are on track to become associate professors. They are all in my department.

What has been your contribution to the academic development of your department?

I joined the University of Lagos in 1999, after 17 years at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research. At the time, there were no programmes in analytical and environmental chemistry in my department. I introduced those areas along with other people and developed the curriculum for analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, and environmental management. These programmes kicked off around 2002 and have grown significantly. Over the past two decades, they’ve produced many graduates, including professors, and the programmes are now fully established. We now have professors in Analytical & Environmental chemistry. I have also served the department and university in several other roles, was the Head of the Department from 2009-2012 and the pioneer Director of the DK Olukoya Central Research Laboratory of the university.

Did you study at the University of Lagos as well?

No, I studied at the University of Ibadan for my undergraduate degree and got my Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. I then pursued my PhD in London, United Kingdom, before returning to Nigeria.

How would you compare student learning then and now?

In our time, there was no JAMB. We took entrance exams for individual universities. Life on campus required hard work, but it also offered opportunities for spiritual and social development. Accommodation was affordable, and library resources were readily available. Students who were willing to put in the work could easily succeed.

Today, access to knowledge is far easier. Students can get information online, use AI tools, and access many resources. However, many of them don’t fully utilise these opportunities. Even with online classes, attendance is low unless there’s a test. Some blame it on data costs or poor Internet, but even with physical classes, there are still excuses. I always tell them that those who take responsibility for their learning are the ones who excel.

What makes you different from your twin brother?

I am a woman and he is a man. I am a lot quieter but he enjoys the spotlight and public engagements, However, we are good friends, chat a lot and share a great bond.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I’m not into sports, but I enjoy walking for fitness. As a Christian, I also love spiritual gatherings and reading.

What’s your favourite food?

My favourite food is beans and anything made from beans, but these days, I am more into ofada rice and yam pottage.

What’s your advice to Gen Z students on using AI in their studies?

They are in a much better position in terms of access to knowledge. With AI, online books, and study tools, learning has become easier. But they must stay focused. Distractions are everywhere, especially on social media. This is the time to build their future. If they don’t apply themselves now, they may face regrets later. Success is achievable with hard work, focus, and determination.

Why didn’t you follow the same career path as your brother, given your parents’ emphasis on education?

Interestingly, it was our father who encouraged me to pursue the sciences because I excelled in it during secondary school. I initially wanted to study Medicine, but I didn’t like seeing blood. I also considered Pharmacy, but I finally settled for Chemistry, because it was practical and I could relate to it. After my degree, people suggested I pursue an MBA or even Law, but I chose to focus on practical chemistry. I wanted something hands-on that could directly impact people’s lives. I interned at Pfizer (now Neimeth) after NYSC, and that solidified my interest in applied chemistry—analysing concentration levels, active ingredients, and more. I decided to go the full hog up to the PhD level and make a profession in teaching and research. That was how I found my path.

What wellness habits do you practise regularly?

I drink about a litre of water every morning when I wake up. I also take walks before meetings—usually 30 to 40 minutes. These days, I try not to eat too late in the night and try to sleep well. I also try to eat fruits and vegetables.

With issues like domestic violence and rising divorce rates, what advice do you have for women?

Patience is key in any relationship. If you’ve prayed and chosen a partner, and challenges arise, don’t keep silent. Seek help and speak with a counsellor or someone who will give sound advice. Avoid listening to people who say, “I can’t take it” at the slightest provocation.

Find mentors, whether in your workplace, church, or community. Also, reflect on your own actions, not just your spouse’s. Marriage requires mutual adaptation. You’re both from different backgrounds, and expecting your husband to behave like your father may be unrealistic. With time and patience, people evolve.

Most importantly, avoid “oversharing” on social media. That’s one of the biggest mistakes young people make. Live your life authentically and be grateful. Don’t let the curated lifestyles of others online affect your peace or your marriage. Many of those “perfect” stories are far from the truth. Everyone has their journey, so stay focused on yours.

How do you balance being a wife and a lecturer?

When my children were younger, I couldn’t do as much professionally as I would have liked. But as they grew older and became more independent, it became easier to manage both responsibilities. Having help also makes a big difference. For example, I have someone who comes in once or twice a week to assist with household chores like cleaning and tidying. That support is essential, especially because the workload as a lecturer can be quite heavy. Without some external help, either your home or academic work could suffer.

What advice do you have for younger women trying to build a career like yours?

I always tell younger women not to put themselves under unnecessary pressure. You’ll get there. You’ll eventually become a professor; just take it one day at a time.

When your children are still young and need a lot of your attention, it’s perfectly okay if you can only manage to publish one or two papers a year. Don’t feel guilty about that. Your children need you, and their upbringing is not something you can outsource.

I am a morning person, so after my children left for school, I would use that quiet time to write, reflect, and do some thinking before heading to work. I also cooked in bulk over the weekends to save time during the week.

As a parent, you are the one who truly understands your child’s needs, whether it’s a struggle with Mathematics or a fear of Biology. You’re in the best position to support them. When they grow up, they’ll thank you for being present.

You may not be able to attend as many conferences or seminars early in your career, and that’s okay. Be patient with yourself.

What are some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had as a lecturer?

One of the highlights of my career was when two of my former female students became professors on the same day. Moments like that bring me so much joy.

I’ve had countless memorable experiences, such as surprise calls or unexpected gifts from past students. Many of them treat us like parents, and when they succeed, it feels like a personal win. Sometimes, the students who express the most gratitude are the ones you may not even remember clearly. That kind of feedback is deeply rewarding.

What challenges do you face in your profession?

Lecturing can be very stressful. There’s a constant need to improve your teaching materials. You can’t keep giving students the same assignments or examples. I often spend extra time revising content and incorporating relatable, real-world examples.

Marking scripts for large classes is another challenge, especially now that universities aren’t hiring enough lecturers. With more staff, the workload would be more manageable.

On the personal side, balancing family responsibilities can be demanding. There’s a saying that you’re not truly successful until you have a successful successor.

That means you must also invest time and effort into your children’s growth and success. You can’t do it alone.

I don’t believe I’ve achieved anything because I’m better than others; it’s simply by God’s grace. I commit everything to Him, and He gives me the strength to keep going.

Also, relationships matter. You have to be intentional about spending time with people. We are not islands; we need community and support.

What do you enjoy doing for fun?

I enjoy travelling, exploring new places, and meeting people. I also like staying indoors, relaxing, and occasionally watching good programmes (on TV).