Eight Nigerian universities in the “Moot Court” of Ecowas Court …- Theconclaveng

Eight Nigerian universities are competing in the inaugural edition of the “Moot Court” competition of the Economic Community of States of West Africa (Ecowas).

The ivory towers in the competition are: American University, Yola; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Igbinedon University, Okada; Lagos State University, Ojo, University of Jos, Jos; Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti and University of Uyo, Uyo.

According to the President of the Court, the Hon. Judge Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Gonclaves, the objectives of the competition were to familiarize the participants with the role of the Court of EcoWas in regional governance and his contribution to the protection of human rights and economic integration; Improve the defense, research and analytical skills among jurisprudence students; Promote the visibility of the Court and engage in the public in understanding its importance in the Ecowas region; and provide a platform for students, academics and legal professionals to connect and share ideals.

The expected results of the Moot competition, according to the president, were: greater awareness of the students on the operations and contributions of the Court of EcoWas; Avocation improved and legal reasoning skills between the participants; stronger ties between the EcoWas court and the academic institutions in Nigeria; and a future generation more informed and involved in legal professionals in West Africa.

Speaking to the competition at the opening of the inaugural event in the State of Niger, the President said that it was an important milestone in the strengthening of legal culture and regional integration within the Economic Community of the States of West Africa.

He said: “Since its institution, the Ecowas court had remained at the forefront in promoting regional integration, advanced human rights and strengthening the rule of law through all western Africa.

“As the main judicial body of the Ecowas community, the Court’s mandate covers the interpretation and application of the texts of the community, the judgment of disputes on human rights and the resolution of conflicts between Member States and Ecowas institutions,” he said.

He observed that: “In the fulfillment of this mandate, the Court has issued historical judgments that have remodeled national policies, safeguarded individual rights and strengthened the foundations of democracy and good governance in our region.

“However, the real extent of any judicial institution is not found exclusively in its jurisprudence but also in its accessibility, public commitment and ability to encourage understanding between the people you need.
This controversial court competition is a testimony of our commitment to deepen the public commitment and investments in the next generation of legal professionals.

“This event symbolizes, therefore, more than a simple academic competition: it represents the collective commitment for the promotion of justice, the rule of law, human rights and good government in our member countries.

“By bringing together young jurisprudence students here, we are investing not only in the future of the Ecowas community law, but also in the future of sub-regional integration itself”.

The President added: “So, to all the participants in the competition present here, I would like to tell you: this is your moment. A moment of learning, challenge and growth. Be bold in legal reasoning, rigorous in argumentation, ethical and prudent in every word.

“This competition does not only concern victory or loss – it is a question of forming jurists who are conscientious, critical and engaged in justice.

“While in the end there will be a winning team, each participant here today is a winner. I encourage you to use this platform not only to show your talents, but also to establish lasting professional networks that will support your career in the legal profession.”

Previously, the Chief Registration of the Court, Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sam, who revealed that the competition would be extended to other Ecowas Member States, said: “I implore the participants to pay close attention to the procedures and to learn from the process. We hope that at the end of this program, the participants will have obtained the necessary experience and trust to represent their future customers.

He also told participants that “may inspire you, challenge you and deepen your commitment to justice”.

Related