A two-days competition (11th – 12th January) which was hosted by Network of University Legal Aid Institutions (NULAI)  held at the Sultan Maccido institute of Islamic and general studies, Kalambaina, Sokoto. 

The NEWSDIGEST gathered that the competition which was organized 

under the platform of Network of University Legal Aid Institutions (NULAI NIGERIA) and sponsored by Open Society Initiative had in attendance fourteen school participants from across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The participant schools are : Nasarawa State

University,Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, University of Abuja, Ahmadu Bello

University Zaria, University of Nsukka, American

University of Nigeria Yola, University of Lagos, Kogi

State University, Ebonyi State University , Bayero 

University Kano, University of Maiduguri,

University of Ilorin , University of Benin and Nigeria Police Academy, Kano.

The first and semi – final round of the competition had eight and three schools eliminated respectively while Nasarawa State University emerged the overall winner with lesser mistakes observed, amongst Usmanu Danfodiyo University,Sokoto and University of Abuja as finalists.

Speaking with our correspondent, Lukman Ayinla ; an associate Professor of Law from International and Jurisprudence Department, University of Ilorin , also a member of the codinating team, explained the aims of the competition as a way of strengthening the spirit of professionalism in the noble profession of law. 

He said : “Honestly, apart from looking for a winner that will represent Nigeria at the International Kevel in Dublin, Northern Ireland UK on the 10th of April, 2019. We also aim at improving and inculcating the sprit of professionalism in the students. At the end, most of them will be trained on some vital ethics of legal practices in Nigeria”

While responding to questions on  transparency and impartiality of the panel of judges, Ibrahim Shatabaya ; a lecturer from the department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto explained that the judges were not only limited to lawyers and legal practitioners, noting that, the brilliant method adopted by the organizer made the competition one of the best in Nigeria. 

“I applaud the organizer for the brilliant method they adopted. As one of the panel of judges invited, I can say that any judgement given by the panel in this competition is given without any favoritism. I personally found it not possible to even know the name of schools I examined because they were identified by their groups not by the names of their schools” – clarified, Ibrahim 

Paul Ebueka, one of the representatives of the overall winner (Nasarawa State University) while speaking after the competition, expressed his gratitude to God and to all his teammates for their brilliant efforts showcased throughout and towards the opportunity clinched, to represent Nigeria at the International level in Dublin, Northern Ireland.

“Firstly, I glorify the Almighty for this victory. I thank him for his infinite mercy. Also, I commend the priceless efforts and support showcased by my team in this competition” expressed, Paul. 

He, however, promised with optimism that they are proceeding to Dublin for the trophy as a good representative for the nation at large.

“Now, we are done with the national task. I am very sure by the grace of God that we are going to Northern Ireland for the trophy” – he added.