Precious Onuabuchi from the University of Ilorin Wins the Hon. Justice Innocent Umezulike Annual National Essay Competition

The Hon. Justice Innocent Umezulike Annual National Essay Competition is a legacy project in honor of Hon Justice Innocent Umezulike OFR, FCIArb, FIIAN. This project assists in the advancement of education and qualitative research amongst undergraduate law students particularly in Land/property law. Its core aim is to cultivate and improve skills such as writing, critical thinking and research amongst our next generation of lawyers which will be invaluable to them in life and career. It is also an avenue to forge partnerships between the Foundation and Law faculties in Nigeria.

With the reach of not less than 40 law faculties the 2023 Annual essay began with a call for essay submissions which attracted over 200 submissions.  The submitted essays were then double blind peer reviewed and scored by high-ranking academics in the field. The best candidate with the highest score was Precious Chiamaka Onuabuchi from University of Ilorin  and won a cash prize of ₦100, 000. The 1^st Runner Up (2^nd position) was Omobolanle Alashe from Babcock University with a cash award of ₦50, 000. The 2^nd Runner Up (3rd Position) with a cash prize of ₦20, 000 was Timothy Wisdom from Rivers State University. The Awardees additionally received Certificates of Excellence and will have their essays published in the Hon Justice Innocent Umezulike Foundation Law Journal.

The Foundation Head of Legal and Research, Barr. Ruth Soronnadi commended the winners for their excellent research skills, critical thinking and outstanding writing which exemplifies the legacy of Hon. Justice Innocent Umezulike.  Speaking on the National Essay Competition, the foundation’s Co-chairs, Dr Cynthia Chisom Umezulike and Dr Victor Azubike Umezulike, noted that the foundation remains committed to advancing excellent legal education and research which is what their late father, Hon Justice Innocent Azubuike Umezulike OFR, FCIArb, FIIAN, an acclaimed Professor of Land and Property Law with over 25 published books as well as the longest serving Chief Justice in the South East, was known for in his lifetime