The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to elevate the training arm of the judiciary, National Judicial Institute (NJI), to the status of a university.
She predicated the call on the grounds that many judicial officers, especially those who have served and retired from the bench of the judiciary still have a lot to offer the country.
She spoke on Friday in Abuja, during a Special Sitting to commemorate activities marking the Golden Jubilee of the Court of Appeal.
The event was also used to celebrate the Presiding Justice of the Abuja Division,
Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, who will formally retire from service on April 17, 2026, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.
“Hon. Justice Barka has distinguished himself as a gentleman of the highest order, hardworking, even-tempered in disposition, and an exemplary team player. For over four decades, His Lordship has dedicated his life to the service of the judiciary and our dear nation.
“Throughout His Lordship’s illustrious career in this Court serving in Benin, Ilorin, Akure Calabar and Abuja Divisions, he demonstrated commitment, collegiality, and a deep sense of duty, leaving indelible marks wherever he served.
“We celebrate His Lordship’s remarkable legacy with gratitude and admiration. He will undoubtedly be greatly missed by his brother Justices, the Bar, and the entire judicial community.
“As His Lordship transitions into the next phase of life, we wish him continued fulfilment, good health and success in all his future endeavours.
“In this regard, I wish to respectfully reiterate my earnest appeal to the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice K. M. O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, on the imperative of elevating the National Judicial Institute to the status of a Judicial University.
“Such a transformation will provide a veritable platform for retiring jurists, like our distinguished brother whom we honour today, to continue to contribute their vast knowledge, experience, and wisdom to the growth and development of the judiciary”, the president said.
Meanwhile, she disclosed that as part of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Court of Appeal a total of 21 panels were constituted, comprising 63 Honourable Justices drawn from various Divisions of the Court, including my humble self.
She disclosed that a total of 330 appeals, covering civil, criminal and commercial matters were listed and heard before these panels.
“The panels sat throughout the duration of the exercise in scheduled sessions. While some panels sat within the Court of Appeal Headquarters and Abuja Division, others sat at designated courtrooms graciously made available within the Federal Capital Territory. I wish to sincerely appreciate our partners and stakeholders whose collaboration and support contributed immensely to the successful organization of this special sitting”, she said.
“As we mark our Golden Jubilee, may this milestone inspire renewed commitment to fairness, integrity and professionalism in the administration of justice”, she added.
Responding, Justice Barka who will officially bow out on April 17 when he would have attained the mandatory retirement age, thanked his brother justices for their support, adding that he would be available to offer his legal expertise whenever he is called upon to do so.
Justice Barka career at the appellate court included his service in the Benin, Ilorin, Akure, Calabar and Abuja Divisions.
Among those at the event included Justices of the appellate court, senior lawyers and staff members of the court.
Alex Enumah
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