Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its justice system gained momentum on Thursday as stakeholders gathered in Abuja for the grand finale of the Juritrust Centre’s Criminal Justice Academy Moot Competition,an initiative aimed at producing a more competent, innovative, and future-ready legal workforce.
Organised in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation, the event underscored a growing national consensus on the need to reform legal training by equipping young lawyers with practical skills, ethical grounding, and technological competence to meet evolving justice demands.
Professor Adedeji Adekunle of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in his speech situated the competition within Nigeria’s broader justice reform agenda, noting that the disconnect between legal education and courtroom realities continues to hinder effective justice delivery.
He explained that the Juritrust Centre’s programmes, particularly those focused on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), are designed to bridge this gap by ensuring that emerging lawyers are not only theoretically proficient but also practically equipped to navigate complex criminal procedures.
Adekunle cautioned that without sustained investment in experiential learning and mentorship, the country risks producing legal practitioners ill-prepared for modern legal challenges, an outcome that could undermine case management, weaken rights protection, and erode public confidence in the justice system.
Delivering on its position, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), represented by Ms Mushalesa Udopa , described the initiative as aligned with ongoing efforts to enhance access to justice and strengthen accountable institutions in Nigeria.
She stressed that a well-trained legal workforce is central to achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in governance and the rule of law.
Stakeholders at the event also highlighted the increasing convergence of law and technology, urging the legal profession to adapt to emerging realities.
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Delivering remarks on behalf of Advocate Francois, Angela Ugochukwu encouraged young lawyers to embrace innovation, leverage digital tools, and expand their reach beyond traditional boundaries in an increasingly interconnected world.
Similarly, Dr. Kole Shettima, Director of the MacArthur Foundation, emphasised the importance of integrating emerging areas such as artificial intelligence governance, human rights, and communication policy into legal education.
He disclosed that new programmes focusing on technology, society, and public policy are being developed to prepare Nigerian lawyers for evolving roles in governance and regulation.
The Attorney General of the Federation ( AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, represented by Hawa Dimka, described the moot competition as a strategic intervention supporting justice sector reforms.
He noted that strengthening advocacy skills and deepening students’ understanding of criminal procedure would enhance the quality of prosecution, defence, and judicial outcomes nationwide.
The grand finale featured a simulated courtroom contest between the University of Calabar and Ebonyi State University in the case FRN vs Aisha Ugonzi Kemi, testing participants’ mastery of criminal law and procedure.
Presiding Judge, Justice Joe Acha, reserved judgment, highlighting the realism and rigor of the exercise.
Beyond the competition, stakeholders stressed a critical national imperative; the effectiveness of Nigeria’s justice system ultimately depends on the quality, adaptability, and integrity of its legal practitioners.
As legal and technological landscapes continue to evolve, experts said initiatives such as the Juritrust moot competition are vital investments in strengthening the rule of law and institutional credibility in the country.
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