The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban‑Mensem, has urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun, to elevate the National Judicial Institute (NJI) into a full‑fledged Judicial University.
Speaking in Abuja during a Special Golden Jubilee Sitting of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dongban‑Mensem argued that retired judicial officers still possess vast knowledge and experience that can be harnessed for the growth of the judiciary. She stressed that transforming the NJI into a university would provide a platform for jurists to continue contributing to legal education and judicial development.
The event also honoured Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, Presiding Justice of the Abuja Division, who will retire on April 17, 2026, upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 70. Justice Dongban‑Mensem praised him as a distinguished jurist whose four‑decade career across divisions in Benin, Ilorin, Akure, Calabar, and Abuja left indelible marks on the appellate court.
As part of the jubilee activities, 21 panels comprising 63 Justices were constituted, hearing 330 appeals spanning civil, criminal, and commercial matters. The Court President commended stakeholders for their collaboration and emphasized that the milestone should inspire renewed commitment to fairness, integrity, and professionalism in the administration of justice.
In his response, Justice Barka expressed gratitude to his colleagues and pledged to remain available to offer his expertise whenever called upon.
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