The University of Jos, Faculty of Law, recently hosted a special moot and mock competition in honor of the distinguished legal luminary, Chief Emeka Ozoani, SAN, who currently serves as the chairman of the NBA National Welfare Committee.
The event, held on April 26, 2024, was a celebration of legal excellence and provided an opportunity for budding legal minds to showcase their skills in advocacy and courtroom practice.
Under the leadership of Attorney General Oliver Azi of the Jural Court, with the support of Chief Ozoani, six chambers within the faculty competed for the coveted prizes.
The competition offered a grand prize of ₦250,000 for the first position, ₦150,000 and ₦100,000 for the second and third positions respectively, while the best counsel would receive ₦50,000.
Presided over by Justice S.D. Samchi, with the backing of the Plateau State judiciary, the students engaged in spirited competitions. At the end of the mock trial, Unity Chambers emerged victorious, claiming the star prize of ₦250,000. Juris Consult Chambers and Star Chambers secured the first and second runner-up positions respectively. Additionally, Nicholas Ochojila, a 300L student, was recognized as the best counsel of the competition.
In his keynote speech, Henry Barnabas Ehi, MICA, urged the students to conduct themselves professionally and to embrace the diverse areas of law practice. He emphasized that law is not just a profession but a business with various avenues for exploration and specialization. 
Chief Emeka Ozoani, SAN, in his address while presenting the awards to the students, shared his inspirational story of overcoming humble beginnings. He recounted how his mother, a widow with seven children, supported his education against all odds, ultimately leading him to the Nigerian Bar. The learned silk stressed the importance of hard work and dedication in navigating the legal profession successfully.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards by the students to Chief Emeka Ozoani, SAN, Justice Samchi, and Henry Barnabas Ehi, in recognition of their contributions to legal education and practice.
The Chief Emeka Ozoani, SAN Moot and Mock Competition not only honored a distinguished legal figure but also served as a platform for nurturing the next generation of legal minds and promoting excellence in legal advocacy and practice.
