The Faculty of Law, Lagos State University, has achieved a remarkable feat by advancing to the semi-final stage of the prestigious ECOWAS Court Moot Competition, held at the ECOWAS Court of Justice headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
Of the 26 universities invited from across West Africa, only 13 submitted written memorials, with eight ultimately qualifying for the oral rounds. Lagos State University proudly secured a place among the final four semi-finalists, a testament to the university’s growing reputation in legal advocacy and international law.
The LASU team, represented by oralists David Akinwunmi, Johnson Ogundein, and Olateju Atere, the incumbent president of the Student Advocates’ Association, LASU, was coached by Mr Azeez Adeleke.
The team’s performance throughout the competition was widely praised for its originality and intellectual rigour. Notably, members of the audience, including senior organisers and a sitting judge of the Federal High Court, commended the LASU contingent for its outstanding advocacy and grasp of complex legal principles.
The competition offered a stimulating intellectual environment, enabling participants to engage deeply with advanced concepts in international and human rights law, particularly the jurisprudence and framework of the ECOWAS Court of Justice. Beyond the advocacy sessions, the event also served as a valuable forum for networking and peer exchange.
Participating institutions included Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ahmadu Bello University, American University of Nigeria, and the University of Nigeria, among others, making LASU’s top-four finish all the more distinguished.
Speaking on the feat, the students appreciated the university management, led by Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, for creating an environment that fosters intellectual development and healthy competition.
They also thanked their team coach, Mr zeez Adeleke, and Dean, Faculty of Law, Professor Kareem Olatoye, for their mentorship and support throughout the competition.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello congratulates the students on the feat.
