Dean from 2025 to present
Jurisprudence & International law
BL, LLB (BENSU), LL.M (BENIN), PhD (BENIN)
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the Faculty of Law, a prestigious institution dedicated to excellence, innovation, and intellectual rigor in legal education and research. As you embark on this transformative academic journey, rest assured that you are in an environment designed to nurture your potential and equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the legal profession and beyond.
The University of Benin was established in 1970, and in furtherance of its commitment to providing sound legal education of the highest possible standard, the Faculty of Law was founded in 1981. Over the past four decades, the Faculty has consistently upheld its reputation as a center of excellence in legal education, research, and advocacy. Our faculty has received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and has earned commendations from reputable institutions and organisations in Nigeria and internationally. It remains one of the leading law faculties in the country, producing legal professionals renowned for their academic strength, integrity, and professional competence.
The Faculty of Law at the University of Benin has a proud history of producing distinguished legal minds who have received numerous prestigious awards and fellowships and have gone on to make remarkable contributions to the legal profession and academia, both nationally and internationally. In 2012, a Senior Lecturer (now a Professor of Law) of the faculty won the Nigerian Universities Doctoral Theses Award Scheme (NUDTAS) for the best doctoral thesis in law in the Nigerian University System. The thesis was praised for its significant contribution to the study of international law and human rights in Nigeria and has since been published as a book by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS). In 2016, two of our senior academics were awarded international research fellowships—one by the United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) in Accra, Ghana, and another by the Govan Mbeki Research and Development Centre at the University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa. Over the years, our students have excelled at the Nigerian Law School, with many graduating with First-Class Honours and earning commendations for their outstanding performances. More recently, one of our esteemed staff and alumni led a groundbreaking research project on Climate Security Studies in the Liptako Gourma Region (May–December 2024) under the United Nations Development Programme. Additionally, another researcher from our faculty was awarded a prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowship at Northwest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, in 2025, following their receipt of an IBR grant in 2022/2023. Their research findings culminated in a paper that won first prize for the best oral presentation under the Art/Law Category during the University of Benin Annual Research Day on February 14, 2024. These achievements underscore our faculty’s commitment to pioneering legal research and global engagement. Notably, in November 2024, the University of Benin witnessed a historic milestone with the election of its first-ever homegrown Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edoba Omoregie SAN, a proud alumnus of this Faculty. His rise to this esteemed position is a reflection of the solid foundation provided by the Faculty of Law, which has nurtured individuals of exceptional intellect, integrity, and leadership Despite the challenges facing legal education in Nigeria, our faculty continues to produce outstanding graduates who excel in various fields of legal practice, judiciary, academia, and governance. Employers consistently commend our alumni for their professionalism, diligence, and strong legal acumen. Many of them hold influential positions in Nigeria’s legal and judicial systems, international organizations, and global law firms.
Our faculty is committed to providing you with a robust foundation in legal education, fostering critical thinking, and enhancing your ability to conduct meaningful research. We believe in cultivating a learning atmosphere where you can develop the confidence and competence required to navigate the evolving challenges of contemporary society. The legal profession demands resilience, diligence, and adaptability, and we are here to support you in honing these essential attributes. The distinguished lecturers of this faculty are not only educators but also mentors who are dedicated to your academic and personal growth. We encourage you to seek their guidance whenever you encounter challenges, whether academic, personal or social. Even in instances where they may not have immediate solutions, they will provide the necessary support to help you navigate difficulties effectively. Beyond classroom instruction, a wealth of legal knowledge is available to you through our wellequipped law library. The library houses an extensive collection of law reports, journals, and textbooks—resources that will greatly enhance your understanding of legal principles. Since legal education extends beyond what is taught within lecture halls, we urge you to make the most of these invaluable materials. As aspiring lawyers, you must uphold the professional standards of the legal field. Compliance with the faculty’s dress code is MANDATORY, with no exceptions. Legal training is a professional pursuit, and your attire should reflect the dignity of the profession you aspire to join. To ensure adherence to this standard, faculty members, administrative staff, and the Law Students Association (LAWSA) executives have been authorized to enforce strict compliance. Understand that dressing appropriately is an integral part of your legal training and discipline. University life presents an opportunity to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds. I encourage you to build meaningful and noble associations, participate in LAWSA activities, and engage in moot court competitions to enhance your advocacy skills. However, be mindful to avoid associations that could compromise your integrity. Stay away from secret societies and any form of misconduct that may jeopardize your academic and professional aspirations. Remember, involvement in examination misconduct and other unethical behaviors could have long-term negative consequences, including disqualification from being called to the Nigerian Bar. Have confidence in your abilities, remain focused, and embrace discipline—these qualities will lead you to success. Additionally, all law students must ensure the timely payment of approved university charges and complete their course registration within the stipulated deadlines. Upon completion of registration, submit the necessary documentation to the designated departments for proper record-keeping and processing. Adhering to these administrative requirements is crucial for a seamless academic experience.
The study of law is challenging but also immensely rewarding. You have been given a unique opportunity to receive world-class legal training at one of Nigeria’s most reputable institutions. This Faculty is committed to shaping you into a legal professional of high ethical and intellectual standing. With hard work, focus, and perseverance, you will not only graduate with a law degree but also acquire the analytical and critical thinking skills needed to become a transformative force in society. On behalf of the Faculty of Law, I welcome you to this noble profession-in-training. May your time here be productive, fulfilling, and filled with great accomplishments. Best regards,
Prof. Bright Bazuaye Dean, Faculty of Law University of Benin