The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, has urged law students across Nigeria to become courageous defenders of human rights and the rule of law which are the pillars of an egalitarian and progress society.
The learned Silk also called on the aspiring legal practitioners to use their knowledge and skills to protect the rights of vulnerable and marginalized persons and to contribute meaningfully to strengthening democratic governance and access to justice in Nigeria.
Chief Ojukwu, who was represented by the Director of Human Rights Education and Promotion, Mrs Agharase Arase made the call while receiving students of the Faculty of Law, University of Jos, on an educational visit to the Commission's headquarters in Abuja.
The Executive Secretary commended the University for organizing the visit, describing it as a valuable initiative that exposes students to the practical realities of law, justice and the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.
According to him, such engagements help bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical institutional experience, while providing future legal practitioners with a deeper understanding of the role of national institutions in advancing justice and protecting fundamental rights.
The Human Rights Advocate explained that the National Human Rights Commission was established under the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2010 (as amended), to promote, protect and enforce human rights in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Nigeria's regional and international human rights obligations.
He stated that the Commission's mandate includes receiving and investigating complaints of human rights violations, monitoring the human rights situation across the country and conducting public enlightenment and human rights education.
Besides, he stated that the NHRC also undertakes policy advocacy and research, collaborate with government institutions, civil society organisations and international partners to strengthen the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary who is also the President of Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA) urged the students to uphold the highest ethical standards in the legal profession, stressing that the practice of law is not merely a career but a noble calling that demands honesty, courage, fairness and an unwavering commitment to justice.
He encouraged them to remain steadfast in defending the rule of law, promoting accountability and speaking up for victims of injustice, noting that the future of Nigeria's justice system depends largely on the values embraced by the next generation of legal professionals.
Chief Ojukwu further reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to strengthening partnerships with universities and other academic institutions to promote human rights education, research and civic awareness among young Nigerians.
He encouraged the students to participate actively throughout the excursion and expressed confidence that the knowledge and practical exposure gained from the visit would enrich their academic pursuits and inspire them to become outstanding advocates for human rights and the rule of law.
Responding on behalf of the delegation, the Director of Legal Research and Law Clinic, University of Jos, Mr. Nandel James Dayil, expressed appreciation to the Commission for the warm reception and insightful engagement.
He described the promotion and protection of human rights as a shared responsibility and reaffirmed the University's commitment to supporting initiatives that advance justice, human rights education and the rule of law in Nigeria.
The educational visit featured interactive sessions between the students and officials of the Commission, providing participants with valuable insights into the Commission's mandate, operations and its critical role in promoting, protecting and enforcing human rights in Nigeria.
