By Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
Enugu State Ministry of Justice organized a one-day capacity-building workshop for its law officers, aimed at enhancing legal efficiency and strengthening justice delivery across the state.
The workshop, held in partnership with Nigerian Bar Association Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE), was described as impactful by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barr. Ikechukwu Ezenwukwa.
Also serving as the Solicitor-General, Ezenwukwa emphasized that the training would help law officers update their legal knowledge, sharpen their skills, and reinforce their commitment to ethical service delivery.
In his remarks, Ezenwukwa explained that the workshop offered a valuable platform for engagement, professional development, and discussions on emerging legal challenges, ensuring that law officers are better equipped to respond to these challenges effectively.
One of the key facilitators, Professor (Rev.Fr.) Edwin Obimma Ezike, delivered a lecture urging legal practitioners to embrace arbitration as a dispute resolution mechanism.
He encouraged practitioners to include arbitration clauses in contracts and to promote the faster enforcement of arbitral decisions.
Ezike also traced the evolution of Nigeria’s arbitration framework and discussed the reforms introduced in the new Arbitration Act.
He raised concerns about the removal of misconduct and errors of law as grounds for setting aside arbitral awards under the new law.
Another speaker, Mr. Ikechukwu Onuoma SAN, urged participants to adopt a case-study approach when discussing prosecutorial discretion, human rights, cybercrime, financial crimes, and the Attorney-General’s powers in effective justice administration.
Onuoma also stressed the critical role of technology in modern justice systems, highlighting the importance of e-filing, virtual hearings, and digital court processes.
Responding to a question about artificial intelligence (AI), Onuoma advocated for the responsible and ethical integration of AI into legal practice.
Dr. Obioma Chike-Okenyi, in his vote of thanks, applauded the speakers, organizers, and participants for their dedication.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continuous professional development as a means to ensure a more efficient and effective justice system in Enugu State.
Pay ESUT Staff Their Arrears –ASUU Urges State Govt
Meanwhile, the National President of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Comrade/Prof. Christopher Piwuna, has called on the Enugu State Government to review and pay the salary entitlements, benefits, and arrears of staff of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
Professor Piwuna, who was represented by Professor Charles Ononuju, former National Investment Secretary of ASUU, made the call at the 2025 ASUU Day celebration.
He lamented the inadequate financial package for ESUT academics and non-academic staff, which has remained unchanged for over a decade.
He urged Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whom he described as a worker-friendly Governor, to address the issue promptly, warning that it could derail the progress made by his government.
In his welcome address, Comrade/Dr. Andrew Chahalam Apeh, acting Chairman of ASUU, ESUT branch, thanked ASUU members for their solidarity and reaffirmed their commitment to quality teaching, research, and community service.
Dr. Apeh expressed concern over the lack of priority attention to ESUT staff welfare, citing disparities in emoluments compared to other state-owned universities.
Also speaking at the event, Comrade A.Z. Loko, ASUU NSUK Chairperson, emphasized the need for academics to be empowered and valued, citing the challenges they face in Nigeria, including poor salaries, inadequate research grants, and insufficient infrastructure.
Comrade Loko also stressed the importance of wellness, urging academics to prioritize their health and well-being, and to take rest and self-care seriously.
The ASUU leader reaffirmed the union’s commitment to defending the rights of academics and promoting quality education in Nigeria, saying “ASUU does not beg for dignity, we assert it. ASUU does not plead for respect, we command it.”
The event was attended by the Vice Chancellor and Principal Officers of ESUT, ASUU ESUT branch Chairperson and Executives, and other distinguished guests.
The celebration was part of ASUU’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and mobilize support for the empowerment of academics and the improvement of the Nigerian education system.
The event celebrated 34 newly-promoted professors, payment of death benefits to 16 members, and retirement benefits to 26 persons, and acknowledged scholarships awarded to deserving ESUT students by ASUU’s national leadership.
The highlights of the event were a full package medical checkup for staff of the institution and lectures were delivered on vital health-related topics by top medical professionals.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Barr. Ezenwukwa delivering his speech at the workshop.
