AUNThisWeek

The American University of Nigeria (AUN) recently hosted the 4th Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN) Northeast Zonal Convention, which brought together law students from across the region to discuss pressing issues in the legal profession under the theme, “The Role of Law Students in Upholding the Rule of Law and Promoting Good Governance in Nigeria.” The five-day event, held from September 17 to 21, 2025, featured academic competitions, legal simulations, and policy discussions.

In his welcome remarks, Prof. DeWayne Frazier, AUN President, urged students to take an active role in upholding the rule of law and promoting good governance in Nigeria. "Be the future of Nigeria, where justice, equity, and fairness apply to every citizen irrespective of their social status," he said.

Prof. Bello Magaji, Dean, AUN School of Law, emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation of lawyers for the challenges they will face in the legal profession. "We, the old guards, are heading towards the exit point, and the mantle of leadership is now in your hands to address the injustice and systemic corruption in the country," he stated.

The convention featured a moot court trial presided over by Her Lordship, Justice Amina Ibrahim Danjuma, Chief Judge of the LSS Judiciary. Students argued a simulated robbery case, with prosecuting and defense counsels drawn from participating universities. The exercise honed participants' skills in courtroom advocacy, evidence handling, and judicial etiquette.

The convention also included a symposium with prominent panelists, including Barr. Isuwa Kshibiya Misali, Permanent Secretary of the Adamawa State Ministry of Justice; Prof. Paul Vita, Provost of AUN; Barr. Idi Ali of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Adamawa Chapter; and Barr. Bode Makinde. Discussions centered on strengthening the justice system, advancing good governance, and the pivotal role of law students in nation-building.

AUN students and faculty members received several prestigious awards at the convention's gala dinner. AUN emerged as the top chapter, winning the Chapter of the Year award, while Hafeez Badamasuiy, President of AUN Law Students' Society, was recognized as President of the Year. Israel Curtis-Dike, M.B. Aiyegbami, and H.O Badamasuiy won the Award of Excellence for their 1st-place finish in the mooting competition.

Several AUN students and faculty members were also honored with prestigious conferments, including the Commander of the Order of the North-East (CONE) and Officer of the Order of the North-East (OONE). There were 10 recipients per category, and AUN clinched 5 in each category. The recipients of the Commander of the Order of the North-East (CONE) included Israel Curtis-Dike, Hafeez Badamasuiy, Muheebudeen Aiyegbami, Amina Ibrahim Danjuma, and Sharon Maxwell Falke. The recipients of the Officer of the Order of the North-East (OONE) included Zinabari Keziah Thompson, Bilkisu Abdulamjid Ubaidatu, Hammantukur Yettisuri Kullipillang, Dah Paula Biyasa Abraham, and another recipient.

AUN's outstanding performance at the convention is a testament to the university's commitment to excellence and leadership development. The event concluded with participants praising AUN's facilities as world-class and expressing appreciation for the valuable discussions and insights shared during the convention.

Reported by John Abah.