By Adebayo Yusuf
Legal experts have called for the restructuring of the National Judicial Council, NJC in curbing the moral decadence in the Nigeria’s judicial system.
This formed part of the discussion at the 5th Education Summit of Forum for Oke-Ogun Progress, FFOP held in Iseyin City Hall, Iseyin, Oyo State.
The legal experts, Professor Kazeem Olaniyan of the Department of Public and International Law, University of Ibadan, former National President of the All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, Barrister Adeniyi Falade and former Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Jimoh Abdulsalam Speaking on the topic, “Judicial System Challenges in Nigeria: Understanding the Issues and Pathways to Reform”, at the summit, called for stronger policies that would enhance judicial autonomy.
Professor Olaniyan, Barrister Falade and Mr Abdulsalam also highlighted infrastructure deficit and lack of modern technologies such as digital library as other challenges faced by the NJC.
They called on the government to ensure transparency, accountability and structural reforms.
In his opening remarks, Chairman for the occasion, Alhaji Wakeed Kareem said the summit was aimed at creating awarenes about the challenges faced by the judicial system and way out and to also support indigent students in Oke-Ogun.
On his part, Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Honourable Segun Olayiwola, represented by Permanent Secretary and Inspector General of Education for Kajola zone, Mrs Moyosola Jose lauded the organiser’s initiative and reiterated the state government’s commitment towards justice and equity.
On his part, Secretary, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Council, Comrade Olusegun Abatan, represented by General Manager, Pensioners’ FM, Dr Babatunde Tiamiyu lauded the convener of the summit for addressing the challenges in the Nigeria judiciary and called for documentation of the lecture for future reference.
Earlier, the Convener of the summit and President of FFOP, Dr Saheed Imran appreciated all speakers for their wealth of knowledge in proffering solutions to the challenges faced by the country’s judicial system.
Meanwhile, the Forum for Oke-Ogun Progress, FFOP in collaboration with Kareem Alao Education Foundation gave educational scholarships to 10 indigents students across Oke Ogun local government areas of Oyo State, totalling 55 students enjoying scholarship under the foundation.
Dr Imran, who also is the founder of FFOP, said the scholarship was aimed at giving back to the society, urging the lucky students to make good use of the opportunity.
Some of the beneficiaries appreciated the foundation and promised to be a good ambassadors of the foundation.
FFOP and Kareem Alao Education Foundation also awarded 10 schools for their excellent performance in last year’s WAEC/NECO examination in Oke Ogun zone.
Forum for Oke-Ogun Progress, FFOP is a socio-economic developmental organisation that is committed to enhancing the quality of life of Nigerians, particularly Oke-Ogun Indigenes by supporting education, social and community development initiatives.
