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On Tuesday, February 22, 2022, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) conferred honorary fellowship on the following personalities who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession and academics:
- Hon. Justice Chima Centus Nweze
- Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem
- Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN
- Prof. Auwalu Hamisu Yadudu
- Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, SAN
- Prof. Paul Obo Idornigie, SAN
The event witnessed the presence of eminent dignitaries across the legal profession such as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Hon, Justice Umaru Abdullahi (Rtd.), the Attorney General of the Federation ably represented by his special assistant, Dr. Umaru Jibril, the Director General of NIALS, Prof. Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, past director generals of NIALS, Governing Council of NIALS, His Excellency Prof. Yemi Osinbajo ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. justice J.T Tsoho, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, D.D Dodo, SAN and other fellows of the institute.
Leading eminent learned Silk, Fellow of the Institute and Chairman Board of Trustees Janada International Centre for Arbitration (JICAM), Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN could not contain his joy as his friend and brother Silk, Prof Paul Obo Idornigie SAN who is a Professor of Law at Veritas University and Member Governing Board of the Janada International Centre for Arbitration was among the conferees.
The Director General of the institute, Prof. Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan aptly stated that these individuals bestowed with the conferment are deserving of it as they have actively participated in the reform and development of the justice sector. He also stated that these individuals have contributed to the growth of the institute by adding value to the mandate and vision of the institute. In his opening remarks, he noted that the six honorees have a common factor of law teaching amongst themselves and this goes to show that indeed, they are dedicated towards the advancement of legal research and studies.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria who was present at the event delivered the opening address and welcomed the audience to the event. The Chairman of the event while giving the opening remarks informed the audience of the notable achievements of the institute.
The event also witnessed a special lecture titled “A Decade of 2011 Evidence Act: Some Developments, Problems and Prospects” by Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN. In the course of the insightful lecture by the learned silk, he identified certain problems with the extant Evidence Act and made sound recommendations to handle these problems arising from the Act. He urged the judiciary to be proactive about the problems emanating from the act and he also praised members of the bench who have progressively deviated from the strict interpretation of the principles as contained in the Act. He concluded by stating that legislative and judicial intervention is pertinent to enable the Act achieve its objectives. It was a well delivered paper. The honorees were later beautifully adorned in their regalia upon their conferment.
More photos from the event
