The Founder of Sam Maris University, Supare-Akoko in Ondo State, Mr. Samuel Tomi Ologunorisa, SAN FCIArb (UK), has been described as a blessing to our country and humanity across the globe.

Entrepreneur and Industry Leader Dr. Mathew David, Managing Director and CEO of Exceeds Klass Nig. Ltd., extolled the virtues of Ologunorisa ahead of the 60th birthday celebration of the distinguished legal icon.

A Dinner featuring a special musical performance is billed to take place on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at A Klass Sapphire Hall in Maitama, Abuja, to honor Ologunorisa’s milestone birthday and celebrate a Visionary Leader.

Describing Ologunorisa as a brilliant Lawyer and a man of impeccable character with exceptional milk of kindness, Dr. David showered encomiums on Ologunorisa for placing immeasurable premium on the contributions to the legal profession in particular and the development of the Nigerian State.

The Entrepreneur acknowledged Ologunorisa's selfless services and extensive legal practice in all superior courts across the country, noting in particular his invaluable contributions to the frontier of knowledge and advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria.

Ologunorisa received specialized training at Harvard Law School, earning a Certificate in Negotiation and Leadership in 2015. He also holds a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from Jesus College, Oxford, obtained in 2014. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), a member of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and the Founder, Proprietor, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sam Maris University in Supare-Akoko, Ondo State.

“We are living witnesses to the laudable achievements of my dear brother and what our respected Legal icon has done to impact humanity. He has been living a life worthy of emulation to the glory of God.

“With his humble background, he has been able to elevate himself to a position where he has affected people across status, ethnic and religious backgrounds in the country.

“I was not surprised that my dear brother was presented with the Rotary Club of Garki Certificate of Appreciation in Recognition of his Commitment to the Rotary Club and Service to Humanity Award among many honours and awards he had received. This is a testimony of his impactful service to God and humanity,” Dr David said.

Mr. Ologunorisa as a legal practitioner of note has made positive impacts and indelible marks on the Nigeria Judicial System. Amongst several positions, he was the Secretary General of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch in the year 1994.

He served meritoriously as Chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch in 1994. He was also Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Law Reporting Committee in 1997 and was the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association Electoral Committee of the Abuja Branch in 1996.

Mr. Ologunorisa, an avid golfer and a lover of the “common good for humanity”, is a member of several professional associations including the African Bar Association and the International Bar Association (IBA).

He served as Consultant to the NYSC Law Reports “The Supreme Courts Monthly Judgments” published in 1995.

In recognition of his professional contribution to the practice of law and having distinguished himself thereat, he was admitted into the inner Bar as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) the equivalent of the British Queen’s Counsel (QC) now King’s Council (KC) in the year 2011 by the Legal Practitioner’s Privileges Committee.

He is a member of some voluntary/recreational organisations such as the IBB International Golf & Country Club and the Rotary Club of Garki, Abuja District, 9125 where he served meritoriously as President in 2013.
Ologunorisa is determined to ensure that as the Founder, Sam Maris University, Supare-Akoko established as the first private University in Akoko-Land of Ondo State emerge as one of the best in the comity of Universities in Nigeria in the next couple of years. Sam Maris University offers degree programmes in various disciplines across its Faculty of Social and Management Sciences and the Faculty of Computing and Environmental Sciences with work-in-progress in the establishment of Faculty of Law and Faculty of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. A tour of the University website, www.smu.edu.ng provides information for admission of suitable candidates into the University in the 2024/2025 Academic Session.