The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to elevate the National Judicial Institute (NJI) to the status of a university.
She argued that retired and serving judicial officers possess vast knowledge and experience that can further benefit the country.
Justice Dongban-Mensem made the call on Friday in Abuja during a special sitting marking the Golden Jubilee of the Court of Appeal.
The event also celebrated the career of the Presiding Justice of the Abuja Division, Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, who will formally retire on April 17, 2026, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.
“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 has dedicated his life to the service of the judiciary and our dear nation,” she said.
She highlighted Justice Barka’s contributions across multiple divisions, noting:“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.”
Justice Dongban-Mensem reiterated the importance of leveraging the experience of retiring jurists:”As His Lordship transitions into the next phase of life, we wish him continued fulfilment, 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.”
As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, Justice Dongban-Mensem disclosed that 21 panels, comprising 63 justices, were constituted to hear a total of 330 appeals covering civil, criminal, and commercial matters.
The panels convened both at the Court of Appeal Headquarters, Abuja Division, and other designated courtrooms in the Federal Capital Territory.
“I wish to sincerely appreciate our partners and stakeholders whose collaboration and support contributed immensely to the successful organisation of this special sitting.
”As we mark our Golden Jubilee, may this milestone inspire renewed commitment to fairness, integrity and professionalism in the administration of justice,” she said.
In his response, Justice Barka expressed gratitude to his colleagues and reaffirmed his willingness to continue offering legal expertise after retirement.
His career at the appellate court spanned service in Benin, Ilorin, Akure, Calabar, and Abuja Divisions.
The event was attended by fellow justices, senior lawyers, and staff members of the Court of Appeal.
