On Tuesday, E-Lawyer had the privilege of attending the Baze University Law Clinic conference, which centered on the theme “Access to Justice for All.” The event brought together legal professionals, students, and representatives from organizations committed to promoting justice, with discussions highlighting the vital role law clinics play in advancing equitable access to justice in Nigeria.
Keynote Address by Honourable Mrs. Ginika Torres
The conference began with a powerful keynote address by Honourable Mrs. Ginika Torres. She emphasized the pivotal role law students play in bridging the justice gap through their work in law clinics. Mrs. Torres encouraged students to see themselves as agents of change, highlighting how their contributions could improve access to justice, especially for marginalized and underserved communities.
Panel Session with Partner Organizations
Following the keynote, a panel session featured representatives from various partner organizations. The discussion revolved around two main areas:
1. Efforts to Ensure Access to Justice in Nigeria:
Representatives shared the strategies their organizations employed to tackle barriers to justice, including raising legal awareness, advocating against human rights abuses, and providing pro bono legal services.
2. Impact of Partnerships with Baze University Law Clinic:
The panelists praised the collaborative efforts with the law clinic, noting how students contributed to community outreach programs, research, and advocacy. These partnerships have significantly bolstered the ability to address critical justice challenges in society.
While the full list of panelists was unclear, notable representatives included:
- Amnesty International, an international NGO known for its work in human rights advocacy.
- The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which focuses on combating corruption.
- A representative from a Nigerian NGO involved in justice reform.
- The head of an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Abuja, who shared insights into the unique challenges faced by displaced communities.
Address by Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN
Prof. Ernest Ojukwu SAN, chairman of the Baze University Law Clinic, delivered an impeccable address during the event. Renowned for his commitment to legal education, Prof. Ojukwu inspired the audience with a call to action, urging collaboration and education as tools to enhance access to justice in Nigeria.
A Gesture of Appreciation
The conference concluded with a gesture of goodwill, as the guests received gift items in appreciation of their invaluable contributions.
Reflections on the Event
E-Lawyer’s attendance at the Baze University Law Clinic conference underscored the power of collaboration between academic institutions, legal professionals, and partner organizations in addressing the barriers to justice. The event served as a reminder that through education, advocacy, and proactive engagement, law clinics can become pivotal in transforming Nigeria’s justice system to serve everyone equally.
E-Lawyer remains committed to supporting initiatives that create meaningful impact in the legal sector, and we look forward to further collaborations with the Baze University Law Clinic and other like-minded organizations.
