Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria has emerged as the winner of the inaugural Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Moot Court Competition.
The competition, which featured eight universities competing for the top prize of N5 million, saw ABU Zaria take the top spot. The University of Jos came in as first runners-up, taking home N3 million.
The competition was organized by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice and brought together law undergraduates from various universities, including American University, Yola; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Igbinedion University, Okada; Lagos State University, Ojo; Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti; and University of Uyo, Uyo.
The event marked a significant step toward deepening youth engagement in regional integration and justice, and was held under the theme “Promoting Regional Integration and Human Rights through Judicial Processes in West Africa.”
The President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Goncalves, described the event as a “historic milestone” for the ECOWAS Court and a “beacon of hope” for the next generation of legal professionals in West Africa.
He commended the participants for their eloquence, analytical acumen, and professionalism, congratulating all the universities represented for their invaluable contributions. Justice Goncalves announced that the Moot Court Competition would become an annual flagship program of the Court, with plans to expand participation to universities across all ECOWAS Member States.
In his closing remarks, Justice Goncalves emphasized the importance of creating platforms like the Moot Court Competition, stating that it not only demystifies the Court’s work but also plants the seeds of a more robust legal culture that upholds justice, human rights, regional cooperation, and the rule of law.
The Vice-President of the Court, Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, also praised the competition, describing it as a powerful blend of vision and execution. He commended the students for their dedication and decorum and acknowledged the essential roles played by judges, academic mentors, ECOWAS institutions, and development partners.
Justice Koroma told the participants that they had all emerged as ambassadors of law and justice in the ECOWAS region, regardless of the outcome of the competition.
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