FEATURED NEWS
Law Faculty Inaugurates Okey Wali Chamber
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- Published: 28 November 2021
By Sam Kpenu
Law Students in the University of Port Harcourt have been enjoined to uphold the ethics and dignity of the legal profession in the course of their training and subsequent practice.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Okey Wali, gave the charge during the inauguration and induction ceremony of student members of the Okey Wali Chambers in the University of Port Harcourt. The event which took place at the Law Faculty Auditorium on November 4, 2021, saw the induction of 43 members of the chamber.
The former Attorney General of Rivers State and Commissioner for Justice thanked the Faculty of Law for the honour of naming a chamber after him. “Being part of Okey Wali Chambers has responsibilities. It comes with assets and liabilities. The assets are that we will take more interest in what you are doing here. This is because you are now identified with this name. We will work very closely with you to make sure you do things right,” he told the Inductees.
The 26th President of the Nigeria Bar Association also corrected the impression that the law profession is about making money, stating that it is about rendering selfless service to humanity. He disclosed that financial benefit would come later, pointing out that the driving force should first be for the love of the profession.
Wali also called for caution on the part of the Inductees, as they commence a career in Law, warning them to be disciplined and of good conduct. “If you are coming into the profession, you must come, knowing that what attracted you is the behaviour and carriage of lawyers. The dignity of the profession must be sustained at all times. It comes with respect for other people. It is a very orderly profession, and I can tell you; so long as you carry yourself well in this profession you will you rise to the pinnacle,” he added.
On his part, the Dean, Faculty of Law, Professor Lucky Worika raised concerns over the current quota of students admitted into the Faculty, describing the 50-student per session admission quota as too small.
Professor Worika appealed that the quota be increased to at least 150, to allow more room for others to obtain legal education in the University.
“The demand for legal education is quite high, and in this University, we see over 3,500 applications per year. The system of distillation is so intense, systematically excluding people who otherwise should have access to University education. They pass very well, but they can’t be taken, with all the quota systems and catchment area,” he bemoaned.
The Dean, while speaking on the essence of setting up different student chambers, said it is a stepping stone designed to give the students the practical knowledge and aspects of running a law firm, as they will be involved in moot and mock trial competitions, debates and activism.
Speaking on behalf of the Executives and inducted members of the Okey Wali Chambers, the President, Felix Amadi who appreciated invited guests from other Departments for honouring the invitation, also expressed delight of members of the Chamber, for the physical presence of the distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who not only came in person, but also came along with top members of his legal team.
Highlights of the event was the furnishing and equipping of the Law Faculty e-library and the unveiling of a pet project and the installation of notice boards in all Classrooms, by the members of Okey Wali Chambers.
Dignitaries present at the occasion included the Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, Prince Nyekwere, Heads of Department, lecturers, staff and students of the Faculty of Law and guests invited to witness the induction exercise.
