Appeal Court President Calls for National Judicial Institute to Become University

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has made a formal case for a significant structural change in Nigeria’s judicial training system.

Speaking in Abuja on Friday during a special court session, the senior jurist called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to transition the National Judicial Institute (NJI) into a full-fledged university.

Justice Dongban-Mensem argued that such a transformation is necessary to harness the wealth of experience held by retired judicial officers.

She noted that many jurists who leave the bench due to the mandatory retirement age still possess immense intellectual value that could benefit the nation.

According to her, a judicial university would provide a structured platform for these veteran legal minds to mentor the next generation and contribute to the growth of the judiciary through research and advanced teaching.

The appeal was made during a ceremony marking the Court of Appeal’s Golden Jubilee and the valedictory session for Justice Hamma Akawu Barka.

Justice Barka, the Presiding Justice of the Abuja Division, is set to officially retire on April 17, 2026, upon reaching the age of 70.

While praising Justice Barka’s 40-year career, Dongban-Mensem described him as a “gentleman of the highest order” who served with a deep sense of duty across various divisions, including Benin, Ilorin, Akure, and Calabar.

She stressed that the exit of such experienced hands highlights the need for an institution where their wisdom can be preserved and shared.

Beyond the call for institutional reform, the President provided an update on the court’s recent efforts to tackle its heavy workload. She revealed that as part of the 50th-anniversary activities, the court established 21 special panels. These panels, consisting of 63 justices, successfully heard a total of 330 appeals involving civil, criminal, and commercial disputes.

The special sittings were held across the Court of Appeal Headquarters, the Abuja Division, and other courtrooms provided by the FCT judiciary.

Justice Dongban-Mensem thanked various stakeholders for their support during the exercise, noting that the collaboration was essential given the current infrastructure and logistical challenges facing the appellate court.

In his response, the retiring Justice Barka expressed his appreciation to his colleagues and the legal community.

He assured those present that despite his upcoming retirement, he remains committed to the legal profession and will be available to provide expert guidance whenever called upon by the country.