UNINiger to produce globally recognised legal practitioners -VC

 By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

The Vice-Chancellor, University on the Niger, (UNINiger) Umunya, Anambra State, Chinedu Nebo at the  weekend assured that the institution’s Faculty of Law is being strategically positioned to attain international relevance and recognition in legal education.

He stated that the faculty had already developed a robust and unwavering roadmap aimed at producing lawyers capable of meeting both national and global standards of legal practice.

Nebo gave the assurance during the 2026 Annual Law Dinner of the Faculty of Law of the institution held at Sharon Guest House, GRA, Onitsha.

Represented by the Provost of the College of Medicine of the university, Uche Onwudiegwu, the Vice-Chancellor said the faculty possessed the requisite manpower, facilities and enabling environment necessary to nurture students into accomplished legal professionals.

  He consequently urged the students to take their studies seriously and avoid unnecessary distractions, stressing that the study of law required dedication, discipline and sustained concentration.

Describing the Law Dinner as a commendable initiative, Nebo noted that the event provided a valuable platform for mentorship, orientation and interaction between students and accomplished legal practitioners.

  In his remarks, the Chancellor of the university and Bishop on the Niger, Owen Nwokolo, reminded the students that the dinner was more than a social gathering, describing it instead as an opportunity for reflection on what he called “the noble profession.”

According to him, the study and practice of law transcend the mastery of statutes, precedents and courtroom procedures. “At its core are justice, truth, fairness and service to humanity,” he said.

He further advised the students to cultivate integrity alongside professional competence. “Your knowledge may open doors for you, but integrity will sustain your relevance and honour,” the Chancellor stated.

  Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Obioma Helen Oyi-Ogelle, in an address entitled “Who Are You?”, explained that the gathering was designed to enrich the intellectual, moral and affective development of the students.

According to her, the dinner was intentionally structured to bridge the gap between students and distinguished legal practitioners who have excelled in the profession and beyond.

 “It is an avenue for mentorship, inspiration, interaction and reflection,” she said, adding that such engagements remind students that legal education extends beyond the four walls of the classroom.

 One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of merit awards by the Chancellor to the proprietors of the four legal chambers in the faculty as well as other friends of the university.

 In particular, the Distinguished Legal Icon Award went to Josiah R. Nduka, SAN; Chijioke P. Emeka, SAN; Ezennia Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN; Chief Sir Ben Uzuegbu, SAN and Kpajie Nnamdi Ibegbu, SAN in recognition of their exemplary leadership at the Bar.

Also, the Pillar of Global Intellectual Award was presented to. Chinedu Ositadinma Nebo, CON in recognition of his uncommon exemplary leadership in Nigeria universities and his intellectual prowess in Africa and beyond.

Equally. Ebuka Igwe, received the Distinguished Legislative Award in recognition of his exemplary leadership in Anambra State House of Assembly.

Ada Chika Udobi, Osodieme, on his own, smiled home with Distinguished Humanitarian Award also in recognition of his exemplary and humanitarian leadership at the Bar.

Speaking shortly after the dinner, the Head of the Department of Private and Public Law, Chukwubuikem Ikechukwu Obianyo, expressed satisfaction with the success of the event.

 Obianyo, who is also the Staff Adviser to the Law Students Association (LAWSA), explained that the dinner marked the culmination of the association’s week-long activities for 2026.

  He said that a mock “Call” to Bar ceremony involving 44 students had precipitated series of moot court proceedings, adding that the said call was sequel to successfully guided Bar examination taken by the participants.

According to him, the exercise was designed to expose the students to practical legal procedures as well as prepare them for future professional responsibilities.