Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has emerged victorious in the maiden edition of the ECOWAS Court of Justice Moot Court Competition, clinching the top prize of ₦5 million.
The competition, which brought together eight top law faculties across various institutions, saw ABU law students outshine their peers through rigorous preliminary rounds and a gripping final session that highlighted their legal prowess, clarity of argument, and courtroom eloquence.
Coming in second place was the University of Jos, whose team impressed the judges and audience with their deep analytical presentations and articulate advocacy.
The Unijos team was rewarded with a cash prize of ₦3 million.
Speaking at the grand finale in Niger State on Saturday, the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Ricardo Gonçalves, lauded all the participants, emphasizing that the quality of legal reasoning and advocacy displayed throughout the contest signaled a promising future for the legal profession in West Africa.
“From the opening ceremony through the intense preliminary rounds, and culminating in today’s spirited final session, this competition has showcased the depth of legal talent and potential that exists within our region.
“The performances we have witnessed, both written and oral, have been truly inspiring. The clarity of thought, the eloquence of arguments, and the professional decorum exhibited by our student participants signal a bright future for the legal profession in West Africa.”
He congratulated ABU on its well-deserved victory, but also commended all eight participating institutions for their efforts, describing every contestant as a winner for the knowledge, experience, and networks gained.
“Let me express, first and foremost, my heartfelt congratulations to all eight participating universities. You have all performed admirably and given honour to your institutions.
“To the winners of this maiden edition: well done! Your victory is richly deserved. Yet, I must emphasise that every participant is a winner. The experience gained, the knowledge exchanged, and the networks built will continue to serve you long after this competition ends, ” Gonçalves said.
In what was described as a historic step for legal education and regional integration, the ECOWAS court president also announced that the Moot Court Competition will now become an annual flagship event, to be expanded across all ECOWAS member states in future editions.
The president said, “I am pleased to announce that the Court has resolved to make the Moot Court Competition an annual flagship programme. Future editions will expand to include universities across all ECOWAS Member States, truly reflecting the diversity and unity of our region.
“We believe that by creating platforms such as this, the Court not only demystifies its work but also plants the seeds of a more robust legal culture, one that prizes justice, human rights, regional cooperation, and the rule of law.
“This event has made one thing abundantly clear: the time has come for the ECOWAS Court of Justice to deepen its engagement with academic institutions and the youth of our region,” the president said.
