The President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensem, has called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to elevate the National Judicial Institute to the status of a university.
Dongban-Mensem made the appeal on Thursday during a farewell luncheon organised in honour of Hamma Barka, the presiding justice of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, who is set to bow out of service.
She explained that converting the institute into a university would create an avenue to harness the expertise of retired judicial officers in mentoring upcoming members of the bench, while also helping to cut down the expenses associated with overseas training programmes.
Barka is scheduled to retire on April 17 upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 70.
“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,” she said.
“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. Thank you, my Lord, for your invaluable service and contributions to the Judiciary and our dear nation.”
The Appeal Court president further disclosed that a total of 21 panels were set up for a recent special sitting of the court, comprising 63 justices drawn from different divisions, including herself.
“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,” said Dongban-Mensem.
