A call has been made by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to elevate the National Judicial Institute (NJI) to the status of a university.
Dongban-Mensem hinged his advocacy on the fact that many judicial officers, especially those who have served and retired from the bench of the judiciary, still have a lot to offer the country.
She made the call Tuesday at a special sitting commemorating activities marking the Golden Jubilee of the Court of Appeal and celebration of the presiding justice of the Abuja Division, Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, who will formally retire from service on April 17, 2026, has attained the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.
The president noted that Hon. Justice Barka has distinguished himself as a gentleman of the highest order- hardworking, even-tempered in disposition, and an exemplary team player.
For over four decades, His Lordship, according to the president, has dedicated his life to the service of the judiciary and the nation.
“Throughout His Lordship’s illustrious career in this court serving in Benin, Ilorin, Akure, Calabar and Abuja divisions, he demonstrated commitment, collegiality, and a deep sense of duty, leaving indelible marks wherever he served.
“We celebrate His Lordship’s remarkable legacy with gratitude and admiration. He will undoubtedly be greatly missed by his brother Justices, the bar, and the entire judicial community.
“As His Lordship transitions into the next phase of life, we wish him continued fulfillment, good health, and success in all his future endeavours.”
“In this regard, I wish to respectfully reiterate my earnest appeal to the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice K. M. O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, on the imperative of elevating the National Judicial Institute to the status of a judicial university.
“Such a transformation will provide a veritable platform for retiring jurists, like our distinguished brother whom we honour today, to continue to contribute their vast knowledge, experience and wisdom to the growth and development of the judiciary,” the president said.
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