Ahmadu Bello University Hosts 25th Judges Conference
The conference, organized by the university’s Centre for Islamic Legal Studies (CILS) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), is themed “Succession and Estate Administration in a Dual Legal System: Balancing Islamic Personal Law and Statutory Provision in Nigeria.”
Binye-lum 
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, is hosting the 25th Judges Conference, with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, declaring it open. The conference, organized by the university’s Centre for Islamic Legal Studies (CILS) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), is themed “Succession and Estate Administration in a Dual Legal System: Balancing Islamic Personal Law and Statutory Provision in Nigeria.”
Speaking through Hon. Khadi Shuaibu Dahiru Ahmed, Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Taraba State, Justice Kekere-Ekun commended the organizers for addressing the unique challenges of Nigeria’s plural legal system. She expressed confidence that the conference would enhance understanding and harmonization between Islamic personal law and statutory provisions.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Ibrahim Na’iya Sada, former Director of CILS, who emphasized the importance of training judges in comparative legal analysis to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s legal system. He highlighted the need for a balanced approach to ensure effective coexistence of Islamic and statutory laws.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, represented by the Director of the Institute of Administration, Prof. Abubakar Madaki, described the collaboration between CILS and NJI as a significant effort toward advancing legal scholarship and practice. He noted ABU's contributions to the legal profession through its distinguished alumni.
Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Salim Magashi, underscored the faculty’s role in training legal professionals and fostering discussions on pressing legal issues. He reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to excellence and its influence on Nigeria’s legal landscape.
Earlier, the Director of CILS, Dr. Sa’adu Abubakar Musa, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation to the university management for their support in making the event a success.
The conference provides a platform for judicial officers, scholars, and practitioners to explore ways to harmonize Nigeria’s plural legal frameworks, particularly in succession and estate administration.
*Public Affairs Directorate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.*
