By correspondent in Lokoja.
Prof. Daniel Atidoga, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, kogi state,north central Nigeria,has called on law faculties across Nigeria to urgently reform their curricula.
This ,he said, became necessary in order to nurture lawyers with the vision, courage, and strategic insight necessary to drive meaningful social reform.
The Professor of International Criminal Law made this assertion during a keynote address at a law seminar/symposium organised by the College of Law, Salem University, Lokoja.
Our correspondent reports that the event, held as part of the institution’s 2025 Law Week celebration, featured the theme:”Lawyers as Change Agents: Driving Social Reform and Advocacy.”
According to Atidoga, law schools must go beyond traditional legal education and begin to adopt comprehensive curricula that include clinical legal education, public interest law, ethics with a strong emphasis on civic responsibility, and interdisciplinary learning connecting legal theory with real-world social issues.
“When wielded with skill, courage, and strategic vision, legal advocacy can indeed function as a powerful catalyst for social transformation,even in challenging contexts.
“The story of Nigerian lawyers as social change agents offers both inspiration and caution. While it reflects our capacity to impact society beyond the courtroom, it also exposes the systemic barriers that constrain such advocacy”the don stated.
Prof. Atidoga identified key areas for legal innovation, including the growing importance of digital rights advocacy as technology reshapes civic life, and climate litigation as a necessary response to environmental degradation.
He emphasized that mentorship between generations of legal professionals was critical to sustaining long-term advocacy efforts.
The University lecturer quoted the late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, who once noted:”The law may not be a perfect instrument of social change, but it remains one of the most potent tools at our disposal.”
Also speaking at the event, Salem University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Alewo Johnson-Akubo, described the seminar’s theme as both “germane and inspiring,” particularly for the next generation of lawyers.
He commended Prof. Atidoga for his thorough and insightful presentation.
Earlier in the programme, Jesse Alewo-Akubo, President of the Law Students Society (LAWSAN) at Salem University, expressed confidence that the discussions would inspire students to view legal practice as a powerful platform for societal transformation.
He disclosed that the Law Week celebrations would also feature a Cultural Fiesta and a Law Dinner and Awards Night on May 23.2025.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
