The Faculty of Law at the University of Delta, Owa-Oyibu campus, was a hub of activity earlier today as the Hilary Obi Ibegbulem Foundation (HIF) kicked off a two-day capacity-building programme on Clinical Legal Education and formally inaugurated the University of Delta Law Clinic.
Organized in collaboration with the Centre for Justice Education and Development (CJED), the initiative represents a major step toward strengthening practical legal training for aspiring lawyers at the institution.
In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Okubor Cecil Nwachukwu, expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Hilary Obi Ibegbulem for spearheading the establishment of the law clinic and fully sponsoring the specialised training.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Stella Chiemeke, Dr. Emeka Nelson Chigwe conveyed her appreciation as well, urging students to take the programme seriously and maximise the learning opportunity.
Delivering Dr. Hilary Obioma Ibegbulem’s goodwill message, Mrs. Lucia Ngozi Anyanor, Esq., a senior member of the foundation, encouraged both staff and students to put the training to practical use and leverage the clinic as a vital tool for growth and service.
The event featured an impressive lineup of facilitators. Dr. Dayo Ashonibare led sessions on designing impactful clinical programmes, client interviewing, counselling and fact-finding. Dr. Imuekemhe Emike Jessica took participants through the core principles of professional responsibility, ethics and confidentiality in a clinic setting.
Sunday Kenechukwu Agwu, who also moderated the sessions, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on clinical pedagogy and reflective practice.
More than 100 students and numerous lecturers from various departments participated actively. Among them were Dr. Norbert C. Okolie, Dr. Nwabueze Lilian Ifeoma, Mr. Ikechukwu Kwubosu, Ms. Edema Oritsegbemi Patricia, Dr. Samuel Ugbo, Dr. Judith Jeddah, Dr. Henry Awodezi, Dr. Mekwunye Anthony, Prof. Sam Ojogbo, and Mr. Blessing Azomokwu, a senior member of the Hilary Ibegbulem Foundation.
By the end of the opening day, participants had gained deeper insight into the purpose and workings of a law clinic an academic hub that provides free or low-cost legal services to the public while equipping students with hands-on professional experience.
The atmosphere remained vibrant and filled with promise, laying a solid foundation for the growth of clinical legal education at the University of Delta.
