The Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, has formally welcomed its first cohort of postgraduate students, marking a significant expansion of its academic offerings and ambitions within Nigeria’s legal education landscape.
At a maiden orientation programme held on Thursday at the Faculty Auditorium, the Dean, Professor Edward T. Bristol-Alagbariya, described the moment as both historic and strategic, as the Faculty deepens its commitment to advanced legal scholarship through the introduction of Master of Laws (LL.M) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes.
Addressing the new students, the Dean underscored the Faculty’s rapid evolution since its establishment. He recalled that following a successful verification visit by the Council of Legal Education in March 2017, the Faculty admitted its pioneer Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) students later that year.
He noted that the Faculty reached a defining milestone in 2023 when its pioneer graduates recorded three First Class Honours in their degree examinations and replicated the same feat at the Nigerian Law School’s Bar Part II examinations for the 2023/2024 session.
“Currently, the third set of our LL.B students have graduated and are undergoing their Bar Part II programme,” he said, adding that the postgraduate programmes were approved by the University Senate as part of efforts to broaden the scope of legal education.
According to him, the newly introduced LL.M and PhD programmes are designed to equip students with the tools to interrogate complex legal issues using modern, interdisciplinary approaches suited to the demands of 21st-century legal practice.
He explained that the programmes will focus on specialised areas of both national and global importance, including Environmental Law, Energy Law, Sustainable Development Law, Commercial and Corporate Law, as well as Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.
Bristol-Alagbariya who is also a Professor of Sustainable Development Law and Mutidisciplinary Sustainable Development-Oriented Practices, also highlighted the strength of the Faculty’s academic and professional personnel, noting that it is staffed by experienced scholars, supported by eminent legal practitioners, jurists and guest lecturers who bring practical insight to teaching and research.
He assured students of robust administrative support, describing the Faculty as well-positioned to deliver high-quality postgraduate training.
The Dean further drew attention to the unique environment of Port Harcourt, often referred to as both the Oil City and the Garden City, describing it as a vibrant, multicultural setting that would enrich the students’ academic experience.
He extended a warm welcome to the students and host communities of Choba and Aluu, expressing confidence that their time at the institution would be both intellectually rewarding and memorable.
“We promise you very exciting and memorable moments here,” he said. “Enjoy your studies and your time at the University of Port Harcourt Faculty of Law.”
The maiden orientation programme for postgraduate students of the Faculty of Law, University of Port Harcourt also featured a series of presentations aimed at equipping students with essential academic and research guidance.
Chairman of the Faculty Postgraduate Committee, Professor Kaniye S. A Ebeku, set the tone with remarks outlining the structure and expectations of the postgraduate programmes, urging students to embrace discipline and scholarly excellence.
A representative of the School of Graduate Studies provided an overview of the university’s postgraduate framework, highlighting key regulations, academic standards and support systems available to students.
In a thought-provoking session, Professor C.C. Wigwe spoke on plagiarism and innovative legal research, stressing the importance of originality, academic integrity and the adoption of contemporary research methods in legal scholarship.
Further clarity on academic expectations was provided by Dr. Paul Tamuno, who detailed the requirements for the LL.M programme, while Professor E.P. Amechi addressed the structure and rigours of the PhD programme, encouraging students to remain focused and research-driven.
Students were also introduced to the resources of the Faculty’s law library by Bright Bebenimibo, Esq., who emphasized the importance of leveraging available materials for effective study and research.
On administrative procedures, the Faculty Officer, Mammy S. Otonnah, guided students through faculty and departmental registration processes to ensure a seamless academic experience.
An interactive question-and-answer session, moderated by Dr. Tamuno, gave students the opportunity to seek clarification on various aspects of their programmes.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Mercy Oke-Chinda, who appreciated the speakers and welcomed the students into the Faculty’s growing postgraduate community.
