FG Reaffirms Commitment to Rule of Law at Juritrust Moot Court Finale

Fagbemi highlights role of legal education and mentorship in strengthening Nigeria’s criminal justice system

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By A1News Reporter | Abuja, Nigeria – April 9, 2026

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the rule of law and strengthen Nigeria’s justice system. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), made this known at the grand finale of the Juritrust Centre Moot Court Competition held in Abuja.

Represented by Hawua Dimka, the AGF commended the Juritrust Centre and its partners, particularly the MacArthur Foundation, for organising the competition, describing it as a critical initiative aimed at enhancing both theoretical knowledge and practical application of criminal justice in Nigeria.

Fagbemi noted that moot court programmes play a vital role in bridging the gap between classroom learning and courtroom advocacy, preparing the next generation of legal practitioners to effectively navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

He described the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 as a landmark reform in the country’s justice sector, stressing that its effective implementation requires not only strong institutions but also well-trained and forward-thinking legal professionals.

According to him, competitions of this nature provide law students with a platform to sharpen advocacy skills, deepen their understanding of criminal procedure, and build the confidence needed to contribute meaningfully to justice sector reforms.

The AGF congratulated participating universities and students for their dedication, urging them to remain steadfast in upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law. He reiterated the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Justice to supporting initiatives that strengthen legal education and the administration of justice in Nigeria.

Mentorship, Skills Gap in Focus
Director of the Juritrust Centre, Prof. Adedeji Adekunle (SAN), explained that the organisation is a non-governmental body focused on research and training, particularly on the social and legal dimensions of justice.

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He emphasised the importance of mentorship, describing it as a specialised form of training that exposes young lawyers to practical skills beyond the classroom. Adekunle noted that many lawyers still face a skills gap, especially in adapting to reforms introduced by the ACJA.

Call for Innovation in Legal Education
Also speaking, Dr. Kole Shettima of the MacArthur Foundation urged institutions to embrace innovation and technology in legal education, noting that the rapidly changing global landscape demands new approaches to teaching and learning.

Similarly, Ms. Mushalesa Udopa of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) described the competition as a vital platform for nurturing future leaders in the justice sector. She stressed that such initiatives help equip young lawyers with analytical skills and ethical grounding necessary to uphold the rule of law and promote sustainable development.

Ms. Angela Ugochukwu of Advocate Francis further encouraged participants to leverage mentorship opportunities while embracing innovation, noting that the legal profession is becoming increasingly competitive in a technology-driven global environment.

Competition Highlights
Participating institutions included Bayero University, Caleb University, Ebonyi State University, Edwin Clark University, Prince Audu Abubakar University, and the University of Calabar.

The grand finale featured the University of Calabar and Ebonyi State University, with the panel chaired by retired Justice Joe Acha, alongside retired Justice Nkemdilim Izuako and Justice Celestine Odo.

The competition was held under the theme: “From Theory to Trial: Mentorship Pathways for Emerging Criminal Lawyers in Nigeria.”