NSUK Law Clinic Hosts 2026 Access to Justice Symposium, Advocates Justice Sector Reforms

The Law Clinic of the Faculty of Law, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), on Thursday, October 8, 2026, hosted its 2026 Access to Justice Symposium, bringing together legal practitioners, justice sector stakeholders, academics and law students to explore strategies for improving access to justice in Nigeria.

Held at the Faculty’s Moot Court, the symposium was themed “Strengthening Access to Justice in Nigeria: The Role of Clinical Legal Education, Institutional Collaboration and Justice Sector Reform.”

In his welcome address, the Head of the NSUK Law Clinic, Matthew Obinna Jude, emphasised the need to make justice accessible to all, particularly indigent citizens who lack legal representation, are unaware of their rights or remain in custody awaiting trial.

He called for stronger institutional collaboration and urged law students to translate legal knowledge into practical solutions that address societal challenges.

The keynote address was delivered by the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Yahaya Yakubu Shafa, FCIArb, Esq., who stressed the importance of grassroots legal awareness and ensuring that ordinary citizens can access justice.

He commended the NSUK Law Clinic for nurturing socially conscious and ethically grounded legal practitioners, while highlighting the role of technology in transforming judicial processes.

Shafa charged aspiring lawyers to uphold competence, courage and integrity, describing these qualities as essential to professional excellence, the fight against injustice and the preservation of public confidence in the legal system.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the justice, security and civil society sectors, including CSP Idirisu Kenedy, Divisional Police Officer, Agwan Lambu Division, Keffi; Miss Kwapaya Adamu, Esq., Secretary of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, Nasarawa State; Mrs. Lucy James Abagi, Chief Executive Officer of the Public and Private Development Centre; and CSC Samaila Bulus, Officer-in-Charge of the New Keffi Medium Security Custodial Centre.

The stakeholders commended the Law Clinic for promoting legal awareness and strengthening partnerships to advance access to justice and institutional reforms.

The symposium also featured an interactive panel session on justice sector reforms, a debate competition among law students and a question-and-answer session, providing participants with opportunities to exchange ideas and examine practical approaches to addressing challenges within the justice system.

The event concluded with the presentation of Awards of Excellence to selected partners and participants, followed by a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.

The symposium reaffirmed NSUK Law Clinic’s commitment to advancing clinical legal education, promoting respect for fundamental rights and preparing future legal practitioners to contribute meaningfully to the administration of justice in Nigeria.