JABU begins production of lawyers’ silk wigs

Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, disclosed at the weekend that it has begun the production of silk wigs for lawyers in the country.

The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Olasebikan Fakolujo, who revealed that the innovation was geared towards redefining the standards of legal attire and setting a new benchmark for distinction in the academic realm, stated that the wig production was made with 100 percent silk.

Fakolujo, who stressed that the initiative was part of the institution’s goal as the first entrepreneurial university in Nigeria, added that JABU Law students would benefit from the development.

While stating that the institution planned 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 it would generate revenue not only for the university but also for other institutions producing lawyers.

He said: “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.

“The production cost would be lower as the materials are sourced locally. The university’s plan is to dedicate farmland to growing some components of the wig to make it more affordable. The university will, over time, explore entrepreneurial ventures to generate funds and achieve self-sufficiency.”

Speaking on the contribution of wig production to the economy, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the initiative would help create employment opportunities as more staff would be employed to sustain production.

“In the farmland, we have to engage professionals and people from neighbouring communities. Depending on the demand, production can then transcend from a small scale to a medium- or 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 the potential dedication of areas for other ventures.”

On his part, Prof. Adeduro Adegeye, a 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.

Adegeye said that “silk is the most expensive fibre 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 on the market are made of imitation materials, while the silk wig produced by JABU is a specialised one.