By DADA AYOKHAI
Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Roland Otaru, has been embroiled in controversy following a petition by a group of law students from Federal University Oye-Ekiti who questioned the legitimacy of Otaru’s professorship, alleging academic fraud and claiming he doesn’t meet the required standards for the title.
The controversy surrounding Prof Roland Otaru’s professorship is unusual, especially given the source – law students, who are essentially learners, yet have raised concerns about his academic credentials. Typically, such petitions might come from rival politicians or other stakeholders, but it’s uncommon for students to spearhead such a campaign.
The petition said “he has neither taught nor examined postgraduate law students anywhere in Nigeria to qualify him for appointment as an Associate Professor of law (Reader), let alone Professor of law.”
The petition reads in part: “It is for this reason that we ask that the circumstances surrounding the alleged conferment of the Professor of law status on Mr. Roland Otaru is investigated and the culprits brought to book.”
The group threatened a week-long protest by mid-January 2026 if the issue is not investigated. “As law students, we have decided to speak up, because our lecturers who know the truth are afraid of shaking tables.”
The questions then becomes , did the students saw the letter appointing otaru as a Professor? .It’s possible the students might not have had access to the appointment letter or weren’t aware of the process involved in conferring a professorship title.
Prof Otaru in his defence said the petition is a deliberate attempt to smear his rising profile as he insisted that he was duly appointed as a Professor by the Senate of the University.
“It is very funny. The Senate of the university conferred it on me, I have a letter to that effect and on that day, I was not the only one, we were about four, it was an approval from the Senate of the University and I delivered the lecture on that day, 9th of December 2024.
“I am a PhD holder, I have two Masters Degrees and I have up to five or six fellowships. I have been SAN working for the past 20 years so what are they talking about? Maybe somebody there engineered it because of my rising profile.
In Nigeria, the power to appoint a professor typically lies with the governing council of a university, in accordance with the institution’s statutes and regulations .
The letter of appointment issued by the Federal University of Oye Ekiti confirms Dr. Otaru’s title as Professor of Practice, highlighting his extensive experience in Law.
The document, signed by Registrar Mufutau Ibrahim, clarifies that the appointment is based on his practical expertise, distinguishing it from an academic professorship.
Professor of Practice is described by Goggle as a professional appointed to a university position, typically without the traditional academic requirements for tenure.
They’re experts in their field, often with significant industry experience, and bring practical knowledge to students.
Their role focuses on teaching, mentoring, and sharing real-world expertise rather than research.
The law students’ petition has sparked debate, highlighting the distinction between a Professor of Law, typically requiring extensive academic research and publications, and a Professor of Practice, focusing on practical expertise and teaching. The controversy underscores the importance of understanding academic titles and roles, especially in law and other professional fields.
The question then becomes . If law students lack understanding of academic titles and roles, it sparks worries about their readiness for the legal profession. It highlights the need for law schools to emphasize practical knowledge, critical thinking, and professional development alongside theoretical studies.
