Eight Nigerian universities are participating in the inaugural edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court Moot Court Competition.
The participating institutions include the American University of Nigeria, Yola; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Igbinedion University, Okada; Lagos State University, Ojo; University of Jos; Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti; and the University of Uyo.
According to the President of the ECOWAS Court, Hon. Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Gonçalves, the competition aims to familiarize participants with the Court’s role in regional governance, human rights protection, and economic integration.
It also seeks to enhance the advocacy, research, and analytical skills of law students; increase the Court’s visibility; and promote public understanding of its importance in the ECOWAS region. The event also serves as a platform for students, academics, and legal professionals to engage and exchange ideas.
Expected outcomes of the competition, he noted, include greater awareness among students of the Court’s operations, improved legal reasoning and advocacy skills, stronger ties between the Court and academic institutions, and a more informed generation of future legal practitioners in West Africa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Niger State, the President described the event as a significant step toward strengthening legal culture and regional integration across ECOWAS member states.
“Since its establishment, the ECOWAS Court has stood at the forefront of promoting regional integration, advancing human rights, and strengthening the rule of law across West Africa,” he said. “As the Community’s principal judicial organ, the Court’s mandate spans the interpretation and application of Community texts, the adjudication of human rights disputes, and the resolution of conflicts involving Member States and ECOWAS institutions.”
He further explained that the Court’s landmark judgments have helped reshape national policies, safeguard individual rights, and reinforce democratic principles and good governance throughout the region.
“The true measure of any judicial institution lies not only in its jurisprudence but also in its accessibility, public engagement, and its capacity to foster understanding among the people it serves,” he said. “This Moot Court Competition is a testament to our commitment to deepening public engagement and investing in the next generation of legal professionals.”
The President emphasized that the event goes beyond academic exercise, serving as a symbol of collective commitment to justice, human rights, and sub-regional integration.
“To all participants, this is your moment—a moment for learning, challenge, and growth. Be bold in legal reasoning, rigorous in argumentation, and ethical in your conduct,” he said. “This competition is not just about winning or losing—it is about shaping jurists who are conscientious, critical, and dedicated to justice. Every participant here today is a winner.”
Earlier, the Chief Registrar of the ECOWAS Court, Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sama, announced plans to expand the competition to other ECOWAS member states in future editions.
“I urge participants to pay close attention to the proceedings and learn from the process,” he said. “We hope that by the end of this programme, participants will have gained the experience and confidence to represent future clients before real courts. May this experience inspire, challenge, and deepen your commitment to justice.”
