The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi, has thrown his weight behind the Federal University, Lokoja’s bid to get its new Faculty of Law accredited by the National Universities Commission.
The CJ declared his support for the institution when he received the Vice Chancellor of the school, Prof. Durotimi Akinwumi and his entourage in his Lokoja office on Thursday.
Prof. Akinwumi paid a working visit to the Chief Judge in a bid to secure collaboration towards accreditation of the newly established Faculty.
Justice Majebi who recalled the crucial role played by the former Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Umaru Eri, in establishing the Law Department of Kogi State University (KSU) expressed his readiness to be committed to the cause.
He further undertook to mobilize Judges in the state Judiciary to support the faculty.
“Your achievements at the Federal University, Lokoja are commendable and we are ready to partner with you to ensure the success of the Law Faculty.
“I will facilitate the provision of books and encourage my colleagues to participate in seminars, legal clinics and other academic activities at your institution,” Justice Majebi said.
He then urged the university to make a formal request for the partnership specifying the number of judges needed and the details of their expected involvement. He also offered to organize a working visit by some judges to the university within the next few days in order to be properly guided in the support to lend.
Earlier, Prof. Akinwemi had highlighted the university’s growth since its establishment in 2001, stating the increase in the number of faculties from four to a comprehensive list that includes Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and now, Law. He informed that the Faculty of Law had received approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and was awaiting verification to begin full academic activities which was what informed the visit aimed at presenting the university’s progress and soliciting Judiciary’s and other stakeholders’ support for the accreditation.
“We have been actively working to expand our academic offerings to include crucial disciplines like Law.
“Through our efforts, we have secured a substantial amount of support, including a N500 million donation that has enabled us to nearly complete our library infrastructure,” he disclosed.
The Vice Chancellor who also lamented the university’s financial constraints highlighted efforts at internal revenue generation while also calling on stakeholders, including members of the legal profession, to assist with books, materials and expertise to strengthen the university’s law library and academic programs.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bala Abdullahi thanked Justice Majebi for his willingness to assist, describing it as a significant step towards achieving the university’s mission of providing quality legal education and contributing to the socio-economic development of Kogi State.
Highlights of the visit underscored the university’s commitment to strengthening its academic programs and fostering collaborations that would benefit both the institution and the state. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to further discuss the terms of partnership and support for the Faculty of Law.
The VC was accompanied by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bala Abdullahi, Prof. Etannibi Alemika and other key officers of the school.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
