The American University of Nigeria (AUN) Law Clinic inaugurated its pioneer Students Executive Council on September 19, 2026, at the School of Law Auditorium, establishing a formal student leadership structure dedicated to practical legal training and public service.
The new council is headed by Chairperson Lily Mkpandiok and Secretary Rebecca Balarabe. Clinic Director Dr. Bulama Bitrus administered the Oath of Office and charged the executive team to uphold integrity, accountability, and selflessness in carrying out their responsibilities.
Dr. Bitrus described the Law Clinic as an important platform for bridging the gap between classroom learning and the practical demands of the legal profession. He urged the new student leaders to view their positions not merely as résumé credentials, but as an opportunity to serve others, develop professional competence, and build a lasting legacy within the university.
The inauguration marks an important step toward strengthening student participation in the clinic's activities and creating a structured platform for students to develop practical skills alongside their academic studies. Through the council, students will have more opportunities to engage in areas of legal practice, including client interviewing, advocacy, negotiation, legal ethics, and public service.
Delivering her inaugural address, Chairperson Mkpandiok outlined her administration's priorities, emphasizing practical skills development, institutional integrity, collaborative governance, and active student engagement. She also pledged to foster an inclusive leadership structure across the clinic's various arms. "Legal education must go beyond understanding statutes and cases to developing competence, empathy, integrity, and a genuine commitment to justice," Mkpandiok stated.
She said the council would seek to strengthen collaboration among students while ensuring that the clinic remains a space where legal knowledge is translated into practical experience and service.
Dean of the School of Law Prof. Yusuf Aboki, in his charge to the new leadership, emphasized the importance of teamwork in advancing the Law Clinic's founding mandate of social responsibility and legal excellence. He encouraged the executive council to work cohesively and approach their responsibilities with professionalism and a strong sense of service.
Reported by: Udoh Victoria Clement