By Jumoke Olaitan
The President of the Mediation Training Institute of Nigeria (MTI), Amb. Segun Ogunyannwo, has called on Nigerian Law School students to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as an indispensable tool for effective justice administration.
Ogunyannwo made the call on Wednesday in Abuja, at the Special Induction Ceremony for 1,383 students of the 2025 Set of the Nigerian Law School, who completed the Professional ADR Skills Accreditation and Certification Course.
The ceremony, themed “Application of ADR in Effective Administration of Justice”, was organised by MTI-Nigeria in collaboration with the Institute of Construction Industry Arbitrators (ICIArb) and the International Law Association (ILA), Nigeria.
Ogunyannwo said that the legal profession was changing rapidly, making it necessary for lawyers to acquire practical dispute resolution skills in addition to litigation.
He said the professional certification offered by the three institutions would equip young lawyers with the competencies required to meet the evolving demands of legal practice.
He noted that the alternative dispute resolution had become an indispensable component of modern justice administration
“Lawyers must continually develop skills that promote timely, efficient and cost-effective resolution of disputes, while strengthening access to justice,” he said.
The MTI president urged the inductees to make mediation and other ADR mechanisms part of their professional practice.
He added that the skills would distinguish them in an increasingly competitive legal profession.
”The knowledge and certification you have acquired today will prepare you to serve your clients better and contribute to a justice system that is faster, more accessible and effective,” Ogunyannwo said.
Also speaking, the President of the International Law Association (ILA), Nigeria, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, said that professional accreditation had become increasingly important in modern legal practice.
According to him, the partnership among the three institutions is aimed at producing lawyers with globally recognised ADR competencies.
“Professional accreditation and certification are no longer optional for lawyers who want to remain relevant in today’s legal environment.
“The qualifications you are receiving today will expose you to international standards and enhance your professional credibility,” he said.
Olawuyi urged them to remain committed to continuous learning and adherence to internationally recognised standards in dispute resolution.
”As you begin your legal careers, continue to build your knowledge and uphold global best practices in dispute resolution,” he said.
In his remarks, the President of the Institute of Construction Industry Arbitrators (ICIArb), Mr Kola Awodein, SAN, who was represented by the institute’s Secretary-General, Mr Emma Dike, urged the new members to maximise the opportunity provided by the training.
“The training you have received is a strong foundation for your professional journey.
“Take full advantage of the knowledge and practical skills acquired during this programme and apply them with diligence.
” Always uphold professionalism, ethical standards and excellence as you use ADR to complement litigation and improve justice delivery in Nigeria,” Awodein said.
He encouraged the inductees to remain committed to integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct while applying ADR mechanisms in resolving disputes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that each of the 1,383 inductees received four professional certificates.
They are the MTI Completion of Training Certificate, which serves as a testimonial; the MTI Accredited Mediator Certificate; and the full Membership of the Institute of Construction Industry Arbitrators (MICIArb).
Others are the full Membership of the International Law Association (MILA), with an additional Certificate in International Law and Diplomacy.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chidi Opara