The Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Kabiru Bala, has declared open the three-day International Law Conference organised by the institution’s Faculty of Law.
Declaring the conference open at the School of Postgraduate Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the Vice-Chancellor described as “apt” the conference theme, “Law and Contemporary Societal Issues,” which he said reflects the critical intersections between law and the pressing challenges facing the Nigerian society today.
“As we gather here, we are reminded that law is not static; it is a dynamic and evolving discipline that must respond to changes in our society.
“Law cuts across virtually every field of human endeavour, including crimes, family, intellectual property, education, health, the environment, property, technology, governance, human rights and emerging issues such as artificial intelligence”, he said.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that the conference served as a vital platform for the exchange of ideas, rigorous debate, and collaborative problem-solving by scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and students with wealth of experience and diverse perspectives.
Prof. Bala said that their contributions would undoubtedly enrich the discussions and inspire fresh approaches to addressing the contemporary issues being faced today.
He expressed gratitude to the organising committee for their dedication and meticulous planning in bringing the conference to fruition. He also thanked the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. H.M. Liman, SAN (Wakilin Lafia); Keynote Speaker, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, the Chairman, ICPC; Lead Paper Presenter, Prof. Kassim Balarabe; and all other participants for their time and commitment to the conference.
In his address of welcome, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the Conference and Dean, Faculty of Law, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Salim Bashir Magashi, said that law, as a cornerstone of civilisation, plays a crucial role in addressing societal issues, shaping policies, and guiding societies towards justice and equity.
He said that the conference theme – “Law and Contemporary Societal Issues” – underscored the importance of understanding how legal principles can be applied to contemporary societal problems.
“It encourages us to explore innovative solutions, share diverse perspectives, and foster interdisciplinary collaborations that will contribute to the development of more robust legal frameworks”, he said.
The Dean of Law also said that the Faculty of Law, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria has a proud tradition of academic excellence and a commitment to addressing societal challenges through rigorous research and impactful discourse.
He also said that the conference local organising committee received a total of 101 abstracts on myriad topical and contemporary issues, stressing that the key objective of the conference was to foster dialogue and collaboration among scholars, practitioners, and policymakers.
Prof. Magashi expressed sincere appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Kabiru Bala, local organising committee, sponsors and students of the Faculty and all those who had worked tirelessly to make the conference a reality.
There were goodwill messages delivered during the opening ceremony of the conference. Those who delivered the goodwill messages included Justice Rabi S. Oladoja of the High Court, Zaria; and Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Zaria branch, Dr. M.T. Jibril.
Others were Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Legal Services, Lt. Col. N.H. Longpoe; and Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu.
Some of the key academic staff from the Faculty present at the conference were Prof. Y.Y. Bambale, Prof. M.B. Uthman, Prof. A.M. Madaki, Prof. S.A. Apinega, Prof. P.I. Onuh, Prof. A.A. Akume, and Dr. Abubakar Musa.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Thursday, 8th August, 2024
