By Rafiyat Sadiq in Abuja.
The founder of the Institute of Capacity Building, Entertainment and Sports Law Development, Dr. Emmanuel Olowononi, has called for the enactment of comprehensive legislation to regulate and boost the sports industry in Nigeria.
Speaking during a Dean’s Parley organized by the Faculty of Law, University of Abuja on Wednesday, on the topic “The Evolution of Sports Law in Nigeria,” Olowononi applauded the Federal Government for establishing the Nigerian Sports Policy 2022 but stressed the need for legislative backing and proper implementation.
“The Nigerian Sports Policy 2022 needs legislative input and deliberate effort for execution to boost private sector collaboration, grassroots sports development, and attract foreign investment,” he said.
He noted that the sports industry in Nigeria is underdeveloped and cannot be left solely in the hands of federations and voluntary associations.
“We need special courts of arbitration for sports in Nigeria to properly address disputes and enforce contracts,” he added.
Olowononi outlined areas of opportunity for aspiring lawyers in the sports industry, including sports dispute resolution, transactional and contract drafting, sports agency, intellectual property law practice, deal negotiation, governance, regulatory and compliance roles with international governing bodies, academic and research opportunities, and sports taxation.
“Sports lawyers act as legal representatives, advisers, and negotiators. They handle contracts, resolve disputes, manage immigration issues, and oversee merchandising and financial planning,” he explained.
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Bashir, who also spoke at the event, urged upcoming lawyers to carve a niche for themselves and adapt to modern innovations as artificial intelligence (AI) begins to challenge traditional legal practice.
Bashir warned that competition in the legal profession is intensifying and stressed the need for students to embrace critical thinking, innovation, wide learning, and professionalism.
“Law is not just about knowledge, but about critical thinking and solving problems,” Bashir said. “To earn a six-figure salary as a lawyer, you must be able to adapt, study wide, create a niche, and add value to yourself.”
He noted that the legal profession is being reshaped by AI, which now has the capability to construct legal opinions, draft agreements, and perform other legal functions.
“Legal practice today is challenged. AI now competes for your daily bread,” he added.
Bashir also cautioned students against misconduct and examination malpractice, stating that such behaviour could derail their path to success.
Another guest speaker, Rosemary Ochiwu, founder of the Initiative for Self-Esteem Education and Advocacy, spoke on the importance of mental well-being for academic success. She encouraged students to define what success means to them and to find purpose and fulfillment in their pursuits.
“Identify your purpose, create value, and prioritize your well-being. That’s the path to success,” she said.
In his closing remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, Professor Unakwa Abugu, said the objective of the parley was to guide students on career development and inspire academic excellence.
He advised students not to be distracted by extracurricular activities, reminding them that their primary goal is academic achievement. He emphasized the importance of discipline, proper conduct, and appearance as integral components of legal training.
“To earn a law degree, you must be trained in both character and learning,” Professor Abugu stated, thanking all guest speakers for enriching the students’ perspectives.
