At the Law Clinic symposium of Young Lawyers’ Forum (YLF) Benin Branch held on Friday, 23 February 2024, attendees had the privilege of hearing from the distinguished Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN, Chairman of NBA-SARC, and keynote speaker at the event. The symposium, themed “The Quest for Justice vs. The Access to Justice Crisis: The Role of Nigerian Law Clinics,” provided a platform to delve into the complex challenges faced by Nigerians in their pursuit of justice and the critical role of law clinics in addressing these issues.
In his keynote address, Mr. Ikwuazom highlighted the pervasive obstacles hindering access to justice in Nigeria’s legal landscape. These include poverty, illiteracy, weak and corrupt institutions, and systemic inefficiencies, among others. These barriers pose significant challenges for individuals seeking redress. Despite constitutional provisions and legal safeguards, justice remains elusive for many, particularly marginalized and vulnerable populations.
The Learned Silk underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reform and proactive interventions to ensure equitable access to justice for all Nigerians. “Financial constraints, exacerbated by rising poverty rates, continue to impede access to legal representation and court proceedings. Illiteracy further compounds these challenges, as many Nigerians lack awareness of their rights and struggle to navigate the complexities of the legal system,” noted Mr Ikwuazom.
He emphasized the critical role of law clinics as champions of justice and advocates for marginalized communities. He also observed that through pro bono legal services, community outreach, and public interest litigation, law clinics play a pivotal role in promoting access to justice and advocating for systemic change.
As legal practitioners and advocates, Mr. Ikwuazom urged attendees to recognize their individual and collective responsibility in addressing the access to justice crisis. He admonished that by collaborating with stakeholders, promoting the rule of law, and advocating for policy reforms, they can work towards a society where justice is truly accessible to all.
The symposium served as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and action towards advancing access to justice in Nigeria. As attendees reflect on the insights shared and the impact of their collective efforts, they remain committed to championing justice and equality for all members of society.
