Abalaka v. Minister of Health: SC Clarifies Rights Enforcement vs. Judicial Review | By Isah Bala Garba

Abalaka v. Minister of Health: SC Clarifies Rights Enforcement vs. Judicial Review | By Isah Bala Garba

THE FACT OF THE CASE BRIEFLY GOES AS FOLLOWS:

The appellant publicly claimed to have discovered a vaccine for HIV and to have cured patients. His claim drew reactions from the 1st and 2nd respondents, who are the Minister of Health and the Medical & Dental Council of Nigeria respectively. Thereafter, the 3rd respondent (Medical & Dental Practitioners Investigating Panel) invited him over alleged professional misconduct. Rather than honouring the invitation, he went to the High Court of the FCT, claiming that the panel was acting as accuser, prosecutor, and judge in its own case, thereby violating his right to fair hearing. The court first granted an interim order but later struck out the motion on jurisdictional grounds.

He furthermore approached the Federal High Court again to enforce his fundamental right being likely to be breached by the panels, arguing that the panels were biased and under the control of the Minister of Health. The court dismissed his case, holding that his complaints and the reliefs he sought were outside the provisions of Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and were not enforceable under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules. Dissatisfied, he appealed to the Court of Appeal but failed, and then further appealed to the Supreme Court.

DECISION vis-à-vis ANALYSIS OF THE CASE:

The Supreme Court, per ABBA AJI, J.S.C. (delivering the leading judgment), set aside both the judgments of the trial and lower courts for want of jurisdiction, emphasizing the importance of jurisdiction. The Court held that though the issue and the claims therein are fundamental-right related, as the appellant alleged that his right to fair hearing pursuant to section 36(1) was likely to be breached by the panels, HOWEVER an action against a non-judicial body for enforcement of right to fair hearing cannot be filed under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure, because section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that: ‘In the determination of a person’s civil rights and obligations, including any question or determination by or against any government or authority, the person shall be entitled to a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a COURT or other TRIBUNAL established by law and constituted in such a manner as to secure its independence and impartiality.’

It’s from the foregoing that the supreme court submitted that the section only dealt with the determination of the civil rights and obligations of a person in cases before a COURT or a TRIBUNAL established as such by law. In other words, the section applies only to proceedings before JUDICIAL BODIES established as such by law and does not extend to all BODIES ACTING JUDICIALLY OR QUASI-JUDICIALLY including domestic or standing ad-hoc tribunals or panels raised departmentally or in an organization to investigate, inquire into, or hear complaints within that department or organization.

In the instance case, the suit by the appellant that the proceedings and decisions of the respondents VIOLATE or are LIKELY TO VIOLATE the PRINCIPLES OF NATURAL JUSTICE against him and his general legal right to fair hearing is a proper and recognizable complaint in law, HOWEVER, the RESPONDENTS NOT BEING COURTS OR TRIBUNALS ESTABLISHED BY LAW, their alleged violation or likely violation of the principles of natural justice against him and his general legal right to fair hearing cannot be brought before the High Court by way of an application for enforcement of fundamental rights pursuant to section 46(1) of the 1999 Constitution and the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules. But the appellant can seek redress for such violation by the ordinary or general processes for seeking remedy for infractions of legal rights and obligations in the High Court.

My Lords further emphasized that the appropriate thing he ought to have done, or the appropriate method to challenge decisions of non-judicial bodies acting judicially or quasi-judicially, is by an application for judicial review  by way of a writ of certiorari, prohibition, declaration, or by any of the ordinary methods of legal actions such as writ of summons, originating summons, or originating motion under the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules.

In addition, the Supreme Court further addressed the question of what happens where the issue complaint involves a fundamental right and other multiple issues? It was wittingly and precisely held that:  where a set of facts or cause of action gives rise to multiple causes of action, including a breach of fundamental rights, the party so affected would have to bring two different actions at the same time. The appropriate procedures must be adopted for each class of action. One of such actions is by writ of summons according to the provisions of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules of the relevant State, and the other by the most suitable originating process, as the case requires, under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules.

Lastly, Supreme Court summed it up with the proper order to be given where the main claim in an action for enforcement of fundamental rights does not fall under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution that the proper order the court should make is an order striking out the action on the ground that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain it.  Therefore In the instance case, the trial court and, latter, the Court of Appeal ought to have struck out the appellant’s action after noticing the matter doesn’t fall within the scope of Chapter IV warranting it to be brought under fundamental enforcement procedural rules, and that embarking on making findings was an exercise in futility as it has been a settled and aged long position of law re-echoed in plethora of cases that: All law courts or tribunals, while exercising their powers, must be guided by the general determinants of jurisdiction among which are:

(a) the statute establishing the court/tribunal;

(b) the subject matter of litigation;

(c) the litigating parties;

(d) the procedure by which the case is initiated;

(e) proper service of process;

(f) the territory where the cause of action arose or where the defendant resides; and

(g) the composition of the court/tribunal.

Therefore if any of the above is lacking, the jurisdiction of such Court/tribunal is defective and would undoubtedly lead the whole trial to a nullity.

Briefly put:

Where it’s not a Court of Law or a tribunal established by law that breaches or is likely to breach someone’s fundamental rights such as fair hearing, but rather it’s an administrative or organizational body/panel or commission of inquiry, in other words, it’s a non-judicial body acting judicially or quasi-judicially, the best way to challenge that, is by an application for judicial review by writ of certiorari, prohibition, declaration, or by any of the ordinary methods of legal actions such as writ of summon etc. But where the breach is by a Court of Law or tribunal established by law, then it falls within the scope of Chapter IV and can be filed or brought under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules. Equally, the appropriate order ought to be given right at the trial court, having found that the claim doesn’t fall within the scope and was brought under  fundamental rights enforcement procedure rule instead of bringing it by way of judicial review is to strike it out for lack of jurisdiction and doing anything further was an exercise in futility. As such both the trial court and the Court of Appeal decisions are of no effect whatsoever therefore are liable to be set aside.

N:B: In essence, if the classical case of Garba v. Unimaid were to come up today, it might have faced a procedural challenge for being filed under fundamental rights enforcement rather than judicial review.

Funny enough, I did a moot in the just concluded semester on a fact almost similar to Garba v. Unimaid. But I refused to follow the mode adopted by the learned counsel in that case: filing a suit for enforcement of fundamental rights. I went by way of judicial review. I could remember I consulted two of my seniors Abubakar Abdullahi Raji, Senior Advocate of Bayero University Kano (SABUK), and Salihu Haruna, SABUK about it, and they said I should give it a try, so I filed an ex parte motion for leave alongside my main application for judicial review. As if I knew this Supreme Court pronouncement was coming to validate it.

__________________________________________

Isah Bala Garba is a level 300 student from Faculty of Law, Bayero University, Kano. He can be reached for comments or corrections on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isah-bala-garba-301983276 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isah.bala.garba

isahbalagarba05@gmail.com or on 08100129131

Building Connections in Lagos: Join the BNLF Networking Mixer

Building Connections in Lagos: Join the BNLF Networking Mixer

Building Connections in Lagos: Join the BNLF Networking Mixer

In today’s fast-paced legal landscape, relationships matter just as much as expertise. That’s why the British Nigeria Law Forum (BNLF) is excited to invite legal professionals, enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders to the BNLF Lagos Networking Mixer — an evening designed to foster meaningful connections, spark insightful conversations, and grow your professional network.

Whether you’re a seasoned lawyer, a budding legal entrepreneur, or simply passionate about the law, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals in a relaxed and inspiring setting.

📍 Event Details
– Venue: Grey Matter Social Space, Victoria Island, Lagos
– Date: Thursday, 23rd October 2025
– Time: 6 PM
– Slots: Limited to just 50 attendees

From policy discussions to practice tips, the mixer promises a dynamic blend of professional exchange and social interaction. Expect to meet thought leaders, innovators, and peers who are shaping the future of law in Nigeria.

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Secure your spot now via Tix Africa. With only 50 slots available, early registration is highly recommended.

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📚 27 Essential Books Every Corporate & Commercial Lawyer Should Own

📚 27 Essential Books Every Corporate & Commercial Lawyer Should Own

In the fast-paced world of business law, staying ahead means staying informed. Whether you’re advising multinational corporations, negotiating complex contracts, or navigating regulatory frameworks, the right resources make all the difference.

That’s why the Legalnaija Bookstore has curated the Business Law Bundle—a powerhouse collection of 27 essential titles tailored for corporate and commercial lawyers in Nigeria. From foundational statutes to advanced legal commentary, this bundle is your gateway to mastering the intricacies of business law.

🔍 What’s Inside the Bundle?

Here’s a look at the titles included:

  1. Commercial Law in Nigeria – Carriage of goods by sea
  2. Financial Regulation Act
  3. Explaining and Understanding Corporate Governance in Banks and other Financial Institutions
  4. Insurance Law in Nigeria
  5. Principles and practice of the Law of Contract in Nigeria
  6. Vera’s Law of Contract
  7. Enforcement of Income Taxes
  8. Introduction to Company Laws and practice in Nigeria
  9. Company Law and practice in Nigeria
  10. Data protection Act
  11. Hire Purchase Act
  12. Investment & Securities Act
  13. Commercial Law in Nigeria: Sale of Goods
  14. Commercial Law in Nigeria: Hire Purchase and Equipment Leasing
  15. Business Law 1
  16. Business Law 2
  17. Company Regulations 2021
  18. Tax Laws in Nigeria
  19. Companies and Allied Matters Act
  20. Fundamentals of Maritime, Admiralty and International Water Law.
  21. Legal drafting, conveyancing law, Wills and practice
  22. Modern Approaches to Intellectual Property Law in Nigeria
  23. Practice and Recovery in Nigerian Law
  24. Public Procurement Law
  25. Tourism, Travels, Entertainment and Hospitality Law.
  26. Compendium Of Consumer Protection in Nigeria
  27. Understanding Equitable Principles and the Law of Trusts.

Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a rising star in the legal field, the Business Law Bundle equips you with the tools to thrive.

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26 Must-Have Books for Nigerian Litigators & Dispute Resolution Experts 📚

26 Must-Have Books for Nigerian Litigators & Dispute Resolution Experts 📚

In the fast-paced world of litigation and dispute resolution, knowledge isn’t just power — it’s your strongest argument in court. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or a rising associate, your library should be as sharp as your cross-examination skills.

That’s why Legalnaija Bookstore has curated a powerful collection of 26 essential titles for lawyers who live and breathe courtroom drama, arbitration tables, and the pursuit of justice.

 

Why This Collection Matters:

– Covers criminal and civil litigation, evidence law, ADR, and legal research

– Features renowned Nigerian authors and texts tailored to our legal system

– Perfect for law firms, solo practitioners, and law students preparing for practice

 

What You’ll Find Inside:

From classics like Principles of Evidence to practical guides like How to Recover Properties of Dead Relations, this collection dives deep into:

– Criminal law theory and casebooks

– Civil procedure and trial strategy

– Bail, prosecution, and appellate practice

– Arbitration and ADR frameworks

– Legal writing and research methodology

– Customary court insights and landlord-tenant law

 

Who Should Grab This Collection?

– Litigators looking to sharpen their advocacy

– Law firms building internal libraries

– Young lawyers preparing for court appearances

– Legal researchers and academics

– Judicial officers seeking reference materials

 

Lost of books include;

1. Casebook on Criminal Law by A.M. Adewale

2. Evidence Act 2011

3. High Court Civil Procedure Rules

4. Principles of Criminal Law

5. Casebook on Law of Contract

6. Criminal Law Annotated with Cases

7. Introduction to Criminal Law by Chris Ugwueze

8. Principles Governing Bail in Nigeria

9. Human Rights and Enforcement of Criminal Law

9. The Process and Practice of Dispute Resolution and Arbitration in Nigeria

10. Alternative Dispute Resolution and Arbitration in Nigeria

11. Legal Research and Writing in Nigeria

12. Basic Concepts in Legal Research Methodology

13. Casebook on Criminal Law

14. Nigerian Criminal Law in Perspective –

15. Practical Approach to Civil and Criminal Litigation in Nigeria

16. Evidence Law Clinic

17. Criminal Evidence in Nigeria

18. How to Recover Properties of Dead Relations

19. Introduction to Evidence Law in Nigeria

20. Personal Injury Law

21. Modern Customary Court in Nigeria

22. Modern Law of Evidence and Appellate Practice in Nigeria

23. Essays on Criminal Justice

24. Criminal Investigation and Prosecution Proceedings

25. Landlord and Tenants under Nigerian Laws

26. Arbitration Law: Practice & Procedure

 

🛒 Available Now on Legalnaija Bookstore

Don’t wait until your next court date to upgrade your legal arsenal. Visit the Legalnaija Bookstore today and explore this curated selection — because every great lawyer deserves a great library.

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Order these collection of books tagged Litigation and ADR Expert Bundle. Visit this link to order all the books for 260,000 Naira only https://legalnaija.com/product/litigation-and-adr-expert-bundle/

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Why You Need a Lawyer Before Wahala Starts: The Power of Preventive Legal Representation

Why You Need a Lawyer Before Wahala Starts: The Power of Preventive Legal Representation

 

Why You Need a Lawyer Before Wahala Starts: The Power of Preventive Legal Representation

In Nigeria, we often hear the phrase “I no go court unless wahala dey.” It’s a common sentiment—many people only think of lawyers when trouble has already landed. But what if I told you that having legal representation before problems arise could save you time, money, and serious stress?

Welcome to the world of preventive lawyering—a smart, proactive approach to life and business that every Nigerian should embrace.

Order here legalnaija.com/store

Think Ahead, Not After

Whether you’re signing a tenancy agreement, starting a business, entering a partnership, or even getting married, legal advice is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Lawyers are trained to spot red flags in contracts, decode legal jargon, and protect your interests before you say “yes” to anything that could come back to bite you.

Imagine signing a land purchase agreement without verifying the title documents. Or launching a startup without registering your intellectual property. Or entering a joint venture without a clear exit clause. These are the kinds of mistakes that preventive legal representation helps you avoid.

For Business Owners: Avoiding Legal Landmines

Entrepreneurs, listen up. Nigeria’s regulatory landscape is complex. From CAC filings to tax compliance, employment contracts to NDAs—having a lawyer on your team isn’t just smart, it’s strategic. Preventive legal counsel ensures your business is built on solid ground, not shifting sand.

For Everyday Nigerians: Peace of Mind

Even in personal matters—like drafting a will, negotiating a divorce, or resolving a landlord-tenant issue—early legal advice can make all the difference. It’s not about being paranoid; it’s about being prepared.

Prevention Is Cheaper Than Cure

Litigation is expensive. Court cases can drag for years. But a few hours with a lawyer to review a document or advise on a transaction? That’s an investment. Preventive legal representation is like insurance—you hope you never need it, but you’ll be glad you have it.

Find a Lawyer Today

Ready to take the smart step? Visit www.legalnaija.com to find verified Nigerian lawyers across various fields—from property law to corporate advisory, family law to tech law. Whether you need a quick consultation or long-term legal support, the right lawyer is just a click away.

Don’t wait for wahala. Get legal help now—and stay ahead of the game.

Lawyers, Don’t Let the RPC Hold You Back — We Can Advertise Your Practice For You! 

Lawyers, Don’t Let the RPC Hold You Back — We Can Advertise Your Practice For You! 

Lawyers, Don’t Let the RPC Hold You Back — We Can Advertise Your Practice For You!

The Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) may restrict direct advertising by Nigerian lawyers, but that doesn’t mean your practice should remain invisible.

Legal directories like Legalnaija are fully compliant with the RPC — and they’re designed to help you shine. Being listed on the Legalnaija Directory isn’t just ethical, it’s strategic. It’s your gateway to visibility, credibility, and connection with clients who need your expertise.

Here’s the truth:

You don’t have to advertise — because we’ll do it for you. Legalnaija promotes your listing, showcases your practice areas, and helps potential clients find you, all within the bounds of professional ethics.

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Don’t feel limited. Feel empowered. Join the Legalnaija Directory today and let us help you stand out — the right way.

If you have a Legalnaija account, renew your subscription here – https://app.legalnaija.com/signin

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For help or more information about registration or subscribing, kindly email hello@legalnaija.com or text 09029755663 on WhatsApp.

Dr. Tolu Aderemi Launches Free ADR And Emotional Intelligence Session For Lawyers

Dr. Tolu Aderemi Launches Free ADR And Emotional Intelligence Session For Lawyers

Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Partner at the Firm Perchstone & Graeys and Chairman of the NBA Lagos 2025 Law Conference, has launched an Alternative Dispute Resolution and Emotional Intelligence training session for young lawyers.  At a press briefing on 22nd September, 2025, Dr. Aderemi announced the training session in partnership with Mr. Fola Alade of FOTEFA Mediation Academy and the Business Law Academy.

Dr. Tolu Aderemi, in his introduction, highlighted how alternative dispute resolution, particularly arbitration has over the years become effective in resolving commercial disputes. Dr. Aderemi further explained that the upcoming Master Class will not only address ADR mechanisms but also emphasize dispute avoidance strategies. According to him, the one-year intensive training program, jointly driven by the Business Law Academy and Fotefa Mediation Academy, will cover ADR, Dispute Avoidance strategy and Emotional Intelligence, thereby producing more well-rounded practitioners.

Mr. Fola Alade of FOTEFA Mediation Academy also provided an overview of the program’s structure. He stated that it will run as a 12-week online course, designed to empower the next generation of dispute resolution practitioners. The program aims to equip lawyers, with a solid foundation in both the traditional pillars of ADR and sharpen the advocacy, analytical and interpersonal skills that define a competent ADR professional, while ensuring that participants are practice-ready for domestic and international engagements.

Mr. Alade outlined that the Master Class will begin with an orientation by Dr. Tolu Aderemi, followed by a negotiation module by Dr. Kolawole Mayomi, a mediation module to be led by Mr. Alade himself, and an arbitration module to be facilitated by Mr. Aaron Ogletree. Other facilitators will include Mrs Laura Alakija, Mr. Hamid Abdulkarim, and Mr. Rotimi Ogunyemi.

While the training session will have practical sessions, the program’s impact will be in threefold:

  1. For participants – producing confident, well-grounded ADR practitioners capable of stirring negotiation, mediation and Arbitration with professionalism and empathy.
  2. For the profession – strengthening Africa’s and Nigeria’s ADR ecosystem, decongesting the court dockets, and promoting a culture of peaceful dispute resolution.
  3. For society and businesses – fostering dispute avoidance and efficient dispute management, thereby improving the commercial environment.

Mrs. Fola, representing the Business Law Academy, while also addressing the audience explained that the program will open with  an introduction to ADR, the history and global trends and feature carefully curated modules on ADR, dispute avoidance, and emotional intelligence. According to her, the course will blend theory with practical application, culminating in a closing ceremony that will showcase ADR simulations and celebrate participants’ growth. She concluded that the initiative will contribute to a more stable commercial environment, attract investment, and support sustainable economic growth.

During the interactive session, Mr. Austin Inyam asked about the advantages of ADR and whether non-lawyers could participate in the program. In response, Dr. Tolu Aderemi outlined the many advantages of ADR, including its speed, cost-effectiveness, and ability to preserve business relationships, while acknowledging that the traditional court system remains indispensable in the legal framework. He emphasized that, at best, both methods of dispute resolution should coexist. He further stressed that lawyers, as users of the Act, must understand not only the law but also the underlying principles of arbitration to prevent traits of litigation from finding their way into ADR practice. He concluded by noting that the Master Class is designed exclusively for legal practitioners.

Expanding on the subject, Dr. Alade described ADR as the “technology of dispute resolution,” likening its impact to that of technological innovation. He noted that ADR is universally recognized, enabling practitioners to operate across borders without the licensing barriers faced by litigators. He also observed that clients today are increasingly impatient and prefer their disputes to be resolved swiftly. As a result, they weigh the cost–benefit of pursuing a case in court for years even when they have strong claims, against the value of speedy justice, the likelihood of appeals, and the potential strain on business relationships. He noted that clients are also more inclined to seek lawyers with specialized expertise in the relevant area of dispute who can deliver effective and timely resolutions while preserving professional relationships with the opposing party.

Dr. Tolu Aderemi, in his closing remark, emphasized that the overarching objective of the Master Class is to develop well-rounded ADR experts. He assured participants that the faculty will focus not only on theoretical knowledge but also on practical application to ensure lasting impact.

Dr. Aderemi reiterated that this program, the first of its kind in Nigeria, will offer one of the highest levels of training on ADR combined with emotional intelligence. While the participation process will be rigorous to ensure quality, successful candidates will receive certificates at the end of the program. He also expressed appreciation to the Business Law Academy and Fotefa Mediation Academy for their partnership.

The mode of participation will be announced shortly and all lawyers are encouraged to participate fully in the training.

LAW TEXTBOOKS FLASH SALE – 35% OFF LEGAL TITLES

LAW TEXTBOOKS FLASH SALE – 35% OFF LEGAL TITLES

For the next **36 hours only**, lawyers and law firms can enjoy **35% off** a curated selection of essential legal books on the **Legalnaija Bookstore**.
  • Use coupon code **WIGANDGOWN** at checkout
  • Offer valid for 36 hours only!
Featured Titles:
– *Co-operative Societies: Law and Practice in Nigeria*
– *Constitutional Law and Constitutionalism in Nigeria*
– *Criminal Code Act Annotated With Cases* by A.M Adebayo
– *Electricity Offences and Prosecution*
– *Environmental Law*
– *Family Law and Succession in Nigeria*
– *Gambling Law and Practice in Nigeria*
– *High Court Civil Procedure Rules (2025 Edition)*
– *Information Technology Law*
– *Introduction to Law of Evidence in Nigeria*
– *Landlords and Tenants Under Nigeria Laws*
– *Law and Practice of Intellectual Property and Traditional Knowledge*
– *Law of Banking and Insurance in Nigeria*
– *Legal Drafting, Conveyancy Law, Wills and Practice*
– *Modern Customary Courts in Nigeria: Law, Practice and Procedure*
– *Modern Law of Evidence and Appellate Practice in Nigeria*
– *Nigerian Criminal Law in Perspective*
– *Perceived Corrupt Memoirs of a Nigerian Judge*
– *Urban Planning and Development Law and Practice*
💥 Plus, explore other exciting deals across the bookstore — more titles, more savings, all waiting for you!
📦 Visit Legalnaija Bookstore https://legalnaija.com/bookstore to shop now.
⏳ The clock is ticking — don’t miss out!
NBA Legal Education Committee calls for climate-competent lawyering in line with global best practices

NBA Legal Education Committee calls for climate-competent lawyering in line with global best practices

NBA Legal Education Committee calls for climate-competent lawyering in line with global best practicesop

The Legal Education Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-LEC) has called on lawyers to fully integrate corporate due diligence on environment, social, governance (ESG) and human rights, when providing counsel. They also called on governments at all levels to provide increased funding for legal education in Nigeria in order to enhance the development of climate-competent lawyers that can effectively advise clients on global best practices relating to climate change, biodiversity, pollution control and sustainable development in infrastructure and development projects.

These recommendations were made at the 3rd online Seminar Series on Legal Education organized by the NBA-LEC. Recall that as part of the NBA’s efforts to enhance legal education and practice in Nigeria, NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN inaugurated the Legal Education Committee under the leadership of Professor Damilola Sunday Olawuyi, SAN, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), with the mandate to promote and advance functional legal education in Nigeria, especially through training sessions and conferences on modern teaching approaches.

 

In exercise of this mandate, the NBA-LEC introduced the Webinar Series on Legal Education Series, a gathering of academic, legal practitioners and industry experts to discuss practical approaches for promoting the reform and transformation of legal education in Nigeria. This 3rd edition of the series recorded a huge turn out of more than 850 attendees.

 

While welcoming delegates to the workshop, Chairman of the NBA-LEC, Professor Damilola Olawuyi, SAN highlighted that the rapid introduction of ESG standards in legislation, industry guidelines, and contracts worldwide to address planetary emergencies, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution in key sectors, is transforming the legal profession, especially the meaning of contractual due diligence and the way we practice and teach law. According to the Learned Silk, “to be a competent lawyer in this rapidly changing regulatory landscape includes being commercially aware of climate and energy transition risks. It is for this purpose in that we have put together this Webinar Series to provide an opportunity for stakeholders in legal education, particularly faculty, students, and administrators to explore how to tailor legal education to meet contemporary realities and needs.”

 

On his part, the keynote speaker, Prof. Onyeka K. Osuji, Dean and Professor of Law, Essex Law School, University of Essex, United Kingdom highlighted the nature, scope and application of ESG in transactional and regulatory context. He noted that the emerging ESG standards place additional duty of care on lawyers to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes, dispositions and competencies required to provide risk-free legal advice in today’s rapidly changing world. Drawing from his extensive experience in the UK, the erudite professor also stressed that to effectively perform these roles, legal educators must integrate practical skills in legal education and training both at the University and bar training.

 

Moderated by the chairperson of the Webinar Series subcommittee of NBA-LEC, Ozioma Soludo, who is also an associate at KENNA, the ensuing panel discussion featured insightful contributions from leading practitioners from Nigeria and beyond. The panelists, Mrs Folashade Alli, SAN, one of the leading arbitrators in Nigeria with about 40 years’ practice experience and current Chairperson of the Section on Legal Practice of the Nigerian Bar Association; Professor Ayodele Morocco-Clarke, Professor of Energy, Climate and Environmental Law and Policy at Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, as well as Paula-Ann Novotny who is a partner at the global law firm, Webber Wentzel and member of the Business and Human Rights Committee of the International Bar Association, expertly analysed the meaning of ‘climate-competent lawyering’ in Nigerian and global contexts. The discussions also examined the ESG imperatives and the challenges and opportunities for legal education and professional training; the urgent need for universities to integrate climate change and ESG into law curricula and professional standards, as well as comparative perspectives and lessons from global best practices in climate-related legal education. The speakers also highlighted the future role of lawyers in advancing sustainability and regulatory compliance in line with global best practices.

 

While discussing the way forward, the workshop commended the NBA leadership for providing the innovative platform to reflect on the way forward and called for the swift implementation of the NBA Legal Education Endowment Fund which could go a long way in mobilizing financial support for infrastructure and technology upgrade to implement practice-focused training in universities. While calling on law firms, companies and other stakeholders to contribute to the Fund, the workshop also called for more joint research projects between NBA and law faculties, as well as tailored research programs and subsidized conferences for academic lawyers, as a way of incorporating theoretical and practical law aspects in the profession.

 

 

 

 

Early bird registration for the ICSAN Lagos State Annual Summit has been extended to 5th October, 2025

Early bird registration for the ICSAN Lagos State Annual Summit has been extended to 5th October, 2025

Early bird registration for the ICSAN Lagos State Annual Summit has been extended to 5th October, 2025*

Join the greatest minds in corporate governance at the ICSAN Lagos State Chapter Annual Summit 2025, an unmissable event designed to empower professionals navigating today’s evolving business landscape.
🔍 Theme:
“Governance Redefined in a Business Environment: A Continuum or New Paradigms?”
🗓 Date: Thursday, 30th October 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM

📍 Venue: The Jewel Aeida, Plot 105, Hakeem Dickson Link Road, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos

🎯 Why Attend?
✅ Gain fresh insights into emerging governance trends
✅ Network with top professionals and industry leaders
✅ Explore real-world strategies for effective governance
✅ Earn professional recognition and visibility

Registration Rates:
🔹 Members: Early Bird – ₦40,000 | Regular – ₦50,000
🔹 Non-Members: Early Bird – ₦55,000 | Regular – ₦65,000

*ONLINE PAYMENT LINK:*
Click on the link below to make payment for the Annual Summit
http://bit.ly/3JLzrhG
📞 For inquiries: 08034689366

After payment, please click on the link to register
https://forms.gle/Z1JwEukP8H51oLVw5

📲 Follow: @icsanlagosstatechapter

Attendance attracts points for Membership upgrade

Don’t miss it!

#ICSANAnnualSummit2025
#ICSANLagosCGWeek2025 #governanceredefined