The O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation recently awarded 63 law school students in Nigeria with scholarships to support their education. This marked the 14th edition of the Law School Students Scholarship award ceremony held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The recipients, who are from Rivers State, received a grant of N120,000 and a brand-new laptop each.
Since its inception in 2009, the Foundation’s Law School Students Scholarships have benefited a total of 868 students, with the 63 recipients being the beneficiaries for the year 2023. The Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. (Mrs) Seinye O.B. Lulu-Briggs, emphasized the transformative power of education in her welcome address. She expressed the Foundation’s commitment to providing access to education for students who face financial constraints.
Dr. Lulu-Briggs acknowledged the challenges that law students encounter in their academic and financial journeys. She commended the awardees for their dedication, talent, and passion for justice, urging them to use the resources wisely. Dr. Lulu-Briggs encouraged the students to uphold the principles of justice, advocate for the voiceless, and defend the marginalized.
During the ceremony, Justice Kate Abiri, the guest speaker and retired Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, delivered a lecture on Technology and the Legal Profession: Transforming the Legal Landscape. Justice Abiri highlighted the benefits of integrating technology into the legal field, such as increased efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility. She spoke about how Artificial Intelligence, blockchain technology, Online Dispute Resolution, and E-discovery have revolutionized the practice of law.
AI algorithms, equipped with machine learning capabilities, can now assist lawyers in data analysis and legal research, saving time and reducing costs. Justice Abiri emphasized the importance of lawyers adapting to technological advancements to maintain competitiveness and enhance their practice. However, she also stressed the need for cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive client information.
The Deputy Director General and Head of Campus at the Nigerian Law School in Port Harcourt, Mr. Chinonso Mmuozoba, echoed Justice Abiri’s sentiments, stating that law students can benefit greatly from incorporating technology into their studies.
The O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation’s Law School Students Scholarship program has made a significant impact on legal education in Nigeria. Various speakers, including the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, O.C.J. Okocha, and representatives from the legal community, praised the Foundation for its philanthropy and support for young legal minds.
The beneficiaries, appreciative of the scholarship, expressed gratitude to the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation and promised to make the most of the resources provided.
Prominent figures in the legal profession, such as the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Amadi, and former Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Honourable Worgu Boms, attended the ceremony, alongside notable jurists, lawyers, and monarchs.
Overall, the 14th Law School Students Scholarship award ceremony held by the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation was celebrated as a testament to the organization’s commitment to education and the development of future legal professionals in Nigeria.
