In a remarkable achievement, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria has emerged as the winner of the inaugural Community Court of Justice Moot Court Competition for law students in Nigeria. The competition, which showcased the intellectual prowess of law students from eight universities across the nation, was held from Wednesday through Saturday, culminating in a prestigious ceremony.
As a reward for their outstanding performance, ABU Zaria was awarded a cash prize of N5 million. The University of Jos, securing the runner-up position, received a N3 million prize. This highly anticipated event attracted the participation of notable Nigerian universities including American University Yola, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Igbinedion University Okada, Lagos State University, Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti, and University of Uyo.
The competition was structured around the theme “Promoting Regional Integration and Human Rights through Judicial Processes in West Africa,” a subject that resonated deeply with the participants. Farida Muazu Sani, a representative from ABU Zaria, expressed her gratitude to the ECOWAS for providing them with the opportunity to learn about the Community Court of Justice, highlighting the significance of such a platform in expanding their understanding of West African legal systems.
“We wouldn’t have known anything about the court but for this competition,” Sani said. She went on to request that internship opportunities be made available to all participants at the ECOWAS Court of Justice to further enhance their legal knowledge and career prospects.
ECOWAS Court President, Ricardo Gonçalves, was equally impressed with the high standard of competition. In his closing remarks, Gonçalves praised the participants for their exceptional abilities. “The clarity of thought, the eloquence of arguments, the analytical depth, and the professional decorum exhibited by our student participants signal a bright future for the legal profession in West Africa,” he stated.
He further expressed that every participant was a winner in their own right, as the competition offered not just academic accolades but valuable experiences, networks, and knowledge that would benefit them well beyond the event.
Looking ahead, Gonçalves announced plans to make the Moot Court Competition an annual flagship event, with future editions set to include universities across all ECOWAS Member States. This expansion will better reflect the region’s diversity and foster a deeper understanding of the importance of justice, human rights, and regional cooperation.
“This is just the beginning. We hope that by creating platforms like this, the Court not only demystifies its work but plants the seeds for a stronger, more robust legal culture that upholds the rule of law and fosters regional integration,” Gonçalves added.
The Community Court of Justice Moot Court Competition marks a significant step in empowering future legal professionals across West Africa, reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation in advancing human rights and justice.
