Joseph Ayo Babalola University, the first entrepreneurial University in Nigeria, has begun the production of silk lawyers’ wig.
The wig, made with 100% silk, is a groundbreaking innovation geared toward redefining of the standards of legal attire and a new benchmark for distinction in the academic realm.
Speaking on this great feat, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Olasebikan Alade Fakolujo, explained that the initiative is part of the institution’s broader goal as the first entrepreneurial University in Nigeria.
He noted that JABU Law students would significantly benefit from the initiative, explaining that the institution plans to spread the payment for the wig over three to four years to ensure Law students have at least one week after the completion of their studies.
The Vice-Chancellor added that the initiative is an excellent opportunity for revenue generation, not only in the University, but also for other institutions producing lawyers.
“The rate of production of lawyers is so high today. We have potential lawyers and the market is there, so we can explore the market and tap into it to become a revenue making venture.”
Professor Fakolujo highlighted that production cost would be lower as the materials are sourced locally.
He also disclosed the University’s plan to dedicate a farm land to grow some components of the wig to make it more affordable.
He also added that the University will, over time, explore entrepreneurial ventures to generate funds and achieve self-sufficiency.
Speaking on the contribution of the wig production to the economy, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the initiative is expected to create employment opportunities as more staff would be employed to sustain production.
He said the venture would have positive impact on the immediate environment, especially the host community.
According to him, “in the farm land, we have to engage professionals and people from neighboring communities. Depending on the demand, the production can then transcend from a small-scale to medium/large scale enterprise.
This will have a positive impact on the economy of the nation at large. The wig production is to be scaled up with the use of machines as the venture expands, leading to potential dedication of areas for other ventures.
Addressing the long-term goal of the institution, Professor Fakolujo pointed that the University has put plans in place with UK-based organisations for partnership in the area of agriculture.
The partnership, according to him, would require a certain dedicated land space and the University authority is currently looking into the acquisition of more lands.
The VC expressed optimism that the collaboration will have a great impact on the local economy and the society at large.
Providing more insight into the production of silk wigs, Professor Adeduro Adegeye, a renowned Professor of Agricultural Economics, explained that the wig was produced by a team of individuals skilled in knitting, fashion design, and other relevant areas after careful study of an existing one.
He pointed that “silk is the most expensive fiber in the world. When it is used like this – production – or in a raw form to make things, it is very expensive. He added that the silk wig towers above others being produced.”
He added that the existing ones in the market are made of imitation materials while the silk wig produced by JABU is a specialised one.
According to Adegeye, wig is a traditional part of lawyers’ uniform and symbolises their status as a member of the legal profession.
Known for its luxurious texture and durability, silk is said to be a superior alternative to traditional materials used in legal attire and it provides comfort and breathability.
The silk wig production adds to JABU’s record of innovation and reinforces its status as the first Entrepreneurial University in Nigeria.
The University also produces table water, bread, and other everyday items, in line with its entrepreneurial objective and commitment to self-sufficiency.
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