Rivers State University, on Wednesday, 29th April 2026, held its 130th Inaugural Lecture. The lecture, which emphasized the centrality of land to human existence and national development, drew urgent attention to the need for reforms in Nigeria’s land governance system.
Delivering the lecture on the topic “Land as the Epicentre of Man: Interrogating the Roses and Thorns under Nigerian Law,” the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Grace Akolokwu, presented a rich and multidimensional analysis. She described land as the “A to Z of man,” situating it at the heart of economic productivity, social stability, environmental sustainability and cultural identity.
Beyond highlighting eleven key benefits of effective land administration, she examined twelve major challenges. These included land use conflicts, insecurity linked to ownership disputes, multiple taxation, delays in administrative processes, weak institutional coordination and limited access to land for vulnerable groups.
She further explained how poor land governance contributes to urban slums, agricultural inefficiency, and the underutilization of natural resources, thereby constraining national growth.
In proposing solutions, Professor Akolokwu called for a comprehensive overhaul of the legal and administrative framework. She emphasized the need for digitization of land records to enhance transparency, reduce fraud and improve access. She also advocated streamlined processes to eliminate bureaucratic delays and curb multiple taxation, while stressing the importance of equitable land distribution and stronger institutional accountability .
The inaugural lecturer, a Professor of Property Law and Human Rights Law, also proposed stricter punitive measures against land grabbing, including a ten-year term of imprisonment or a fine of ten million naira. She argued that such sanctions would serve as effective deterrents.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, described the lecture as intellectually enriching and practically relevant.
He commended Professor Akolokwu for her depth of insight and clarity in articulating complex issues. He noted that her structured identification of challenges, coupled with actionable recommendations, provides a comprehensive roadmap for reform and policy direction.
He further emphasized the growing importance of inaugural lectures as platforms for impactful scholarship and meaningful contributions to national discourse, adding that such engagements reinforce the university’s role in addressing real-world problems.
The event attracted a distinguished audience, including the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu; a former Governor, represented by his wife, Hon. Justice Mary Ukaego Odili (Rtd.); the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Iheanacho Wilfred Obuzor; former Pro-Chancellor, Hon. Justice Iche Ndu (Rtd.); serving Council Members; Principal Officers; former Vice-Chancellors; former Principal Officers; the Bishop of the Diocese of Omoku, Anglican Communion, His Lordship, Right Reverend Dr. Richard N. Okpara; judges of the State High Court; as well as eminent scholars, university administrators and key stakeholders.
