The president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to upgrade the National Judicial Institute to a university.

Ms Dongban-Mensem made the call on Thursday at the farewell lunch for the presiding justice of Abuja division of the court, Hamma Barka.

This initiative, she said, aimed to leverage retired jurists to groom the future judicial workforce and reduce the high cost of external training.

Mr Barka will retire on April 17, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.

“He will undoubtedly be greatly missed by his brother Justices, the Bar, and the entire judicial community. As His Lordship transitions into the next phase of life, we wish him continued fulfilment, good health and success in all his future endeavours,” she said. “Like our distinguished brother whom we honour today, to continue to contribute their vast knowledge, experience, and wisdom to the growth and development of the judiciary. Thank you, my Lord, for your invaluable service and contributions to the Judiciary and our dear nation.”

Ms Dongban-Mensem noted that 21 panels were constituted for the special sitting. These, she added, comprised 63 justices drawn from various divisions of the court, including herself.

“A total of 330 appeals, covering civil, criminal and commercial matters, were listed and heard before these panels. The panels sat throughout the duration of the exercise in scheduled sessions.

“While some panels sat within the Court of Appeal Headquarters and Abuja Division, others sat at designated courtrooms graciously made available within the Federal Capital Territory,” said Ms Dongban-Mensem.

(NAN)