The HJIUF National Moot Court Competition for Law Students is a prestigious event that showcases the legal prowess and advocacy skills of students from universities across Nigeria. The competition provides a platform for aspiring lawyers to demonstrate their proficiency in legal argumentation, research, and presentation. Through rigorous rounds of argumentation and adjudication by esteemed judges, participants sharpen their advocacy skills and gain valuable experience in courtroom proceedings. The competition fosters camaraderie, intellectual exchange, and professional growth among law students, preparing them for successful careers in the legal profession.
In the first edition of the competition, held virtually in 2022, the University of Nigeria emerged victorious, represented by student counsels Chinedu Patrick Aneka and V. I. Udoh. They clinched the top spot and the grand prize of ₦200,000, along with the Best Researcher Award and a prize of ₦30,000. V.I. Udoh also distinguished herself as the Best Speaker, earning an additional ₦20,000. Meanwhile, the University of Benin, represented by student counsels Paul Chima and K. T. Philip, secured the first runners-up position, earning a cash prize of ₦100,000.
Both winning teams and their respective universities were honored with cash prize funds, book gifts, award plaques, and certificates during a formal award ceremony held at the respective universities.
In the second edition of the competition held in 2023, a blend of virtual and physical rounds added an extra layer of excitement. While the quarter-finals and semi-finals took place virtually, the finals unfolded at the prestigious Law Faculty Moot Court of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State. The distinguished panel of judges, including His Worship Senior Magistrate Nonye C. Anyaebunam, His Worship Senior Magistrate Ifeyinwa Okoye, and Mrs. OJ Igwealor, Legal Officer at the Anambra State Judiciary, presided over the finals.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University represented by student counsels George Ibe and Emmanuella Otu, emerged as the victor of the second edition, securing the winner’s cash prize award of ₦200,000 and the Best Researcher Prize Award of ₦30,000. George Ibe distinguished himself as the Best Speaker, earning a cash prize of ₦20,000. Imo State University were the first runners-up, earning a cash prize of ₦100,000.
A formal award ceremony was held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, celebrating the achievements of the winning university and student counsels. They were presented with the cash prize fund, an award plaque, law books, and certificates of excellence.
The HJIUF National Moot Court Competition serves as a hallmark of legal education and professional development in Nigeria.
