Honoring Excellence: The University Of Jos Law Clinic’s inaugural Dinner and Award Night

The University of Jos Law Clinic recently held its first-ever Dinner and Award Night, a landmark event commemorating years of dedication to legal education and community service. 

This wonderful evening, bathed in class, grandeur and fine dining, celebrated the clinic's significant strides and the unwavering commitment of its members, marking a convocation of forward-thinking individuals and organizations.

In a single session led by Ande Jeremiah Terese, the clinic’s president, the University of Jos Law Clinic has achieved remarkable milestones. A major restructuring saw the clinic welcoming 90 dedicated members, with an impressive dues payment compliance of over 90%. This revitalization reflects our commitment to fostering a robust legal education environment and ensuring active participation.

One of our proudest achievements is the launch of the "Law Clinic Connect" radio program on Ice FM. This initiative aims to enhance legal awareness among the public through weekly discussions featuring expert interviews and engaging content, thereby broadening our educational outreach and broadcasting sensitization.

Our participation in the transformative Pro Bono conference in Abuja, organized in collaboration with the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) and other law clinics, has been pivotal. This conference significantly impacted clinical legal education, providing our clinicians with invaluable networking opportunities and broadening their professional horizons across the nation.

Joining the Reforming Pretrial Detention in Nigeria Project (RPDNP II) with PPDC has further underscored our commitment to social justice. In collaboration with at least 50 practicing lawyers in Plateau State, our clinic offers essential legal aid to inmates. Our services encompass interviews, case profiling, general assistance, and comprehensive case management, making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.

Our digital footprint has also expanded considerably, maintaining an active presence on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Additionally, our newly launched blog site that serves as a hub for updates and insights.

Strategic alliances have been instrumental in our journey. Collaborations with the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), Ice FM University of Jos (96.1), the National Human Rights Commission-Plateau State, and Anyia & Co. have paved the way for future projects, enhanced our research capabilities, and fostered mutual support networks.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Assoc. Prof. Chinwe Okoli, our dedicated coordinator, and our exceptional executive team: Jemimah Dauda, Davwet Retle Williams, Favour Onyeka, Daphne Akpotu, Favour Obacha, Ayo Joseph Adinoyi, Amarachi Mbachu, Gift Arewa, Ikechukwu Esther, Mary Silas, Daniel Nden, and Felix Oguche. Each received the prestigious Law Leadership Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions and leadership, and of course to our President, Ande Jeremiah Terese, who was the captain of this ship to greatness.

Congratulations are also due to our standout clinicians: Jemimah Dauda, Ayesek Fattih Martins, Daniel Ibrahim Gamka, Ayo Joseph Adinoyi, Gift Arewa, Joshua Ufedo-Ojo, Baba Joshua Drisu, as well as the individuals and partners honored for their invaluable support, including the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, the Dean of Law, Unijos Francis M. Kwede, the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), Ice FM, Linda Adeze, Geraldine Shaina, and Gabriel Oguche (Esq).

We are profoundly grateful to everyone who has contributed to our success and helped us reach our goals. As we look to the future, we are excited about the continued growth and impact of the University of Jos Law Clinic.

Do stay tuned, there is more to come!