by Oka Williams, Abuja-
The National Judicial Institute (NJI) has reaffirmed its commitment to judicial excellence by hosting a Training-of-Trainers Programme in collaboration with the Judicial College of England and Wales. The initiative, aimed at enhancing the capacity of judicial officers, underscores the deepening partnership between the two institutions.
In his opening remarks, NJI Administrator, Hon. Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, FCIArb, FCJEI, welcomed delegates from the Judicial College of England and Wales, Africa House London, and participants from various jurisdictions. He commended the visiting team, led by Deputy Senior District Judge Tan Ikram, CBE DL, and Emmanuel Finndoro-Obasi of Africa House London, for their continued support and collaboration. Justice Abdullahi emphasized that the Training-of-Trainers model is a transformative effort that must be sustained. He further announced plans for post-training assessments to enhance future sessions.
Judge Tan Ikram, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to A4ID and the British Government for their support. He noted that the programme’s objective is to equip trainers with the skills to design, deliver, and develop effective judicial learning programs. The intensive four-day course includes sessions on judicial ethics, case-flow management, and effective presentation techniques.
As part of the engagement, Justice Abdullahi led the visiting delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman of NJI’s Board of Governors, Hon. Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, FNJI. Judge Ikram conveyed his appreciation to the CJN for the ongoing partnership, highlighting the impact of capacity-building efforts on judicial officers and magistrates.
In response, the CJN welcomed the delegation and lauded the relationship between the Nigerian Judiciary and the Judicial College of England and Wales. She acknowledged the positive influence of knowledge-sharing initiatives on Nigeria’s judicial system, particularly in areas such as case-flow management and ethical standards. Justice Kekere-Ekun called for expanded collaboration in Artificial Intelligence, judicial peer-review learning, and exchange programs. She also emphasized the need for robust feedback mechanisms to ensure continuous improvement in training modules.
The Institute Secretary, Olumo Abdulazeez Esq, expressed gratitude on behalf of the NJI Administrator, thanking the CJN for her support and for receiving the delegation.
This collaboration reaffirms the NJI’s dedication to fostering judicial excellence and ensuring that Nigerian judicial officers receive world-class training to enhance the administration of justice.
