The Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, NJI Justice Babatunde Adejumo has urged legal and research assistants to strengthen their analytical and digital skills to support sound judicial decisions and improve the administration of justice in Nigeria.
Adejumo made the call on Monday in Abuja while declaring open a three-day National Workshop for Legal Research Assistants organised by the National Judicial Institute.
He said the effectiveness of the judiciary depended not only on judicial officers but also on the professional competence of personnel working behind the scenes.
“Legal Research Staff are pivotal actors within the system, as your efforts form an intrinsic part of the judicial process,” he said.
Adejumo explained that research assistants had responsibilities beyond locating legal authorities, including identifying relevant legal principles, analysing emerging jurisprudence, examining comparative decisions and preparing materials to assist judicial officers in resolving disputes.
He stated that rapid developments in legislation, constitutional law, technology, specialised legal fields and case law had made modern legal research increasingly complex.
“Today, Judicial Officers increasingly rely on research support that goes beyond a basic compilation of authorities, requiring instead deep legal analysis that illuminates the core issues presented for determination,” Adejumo said.
He urged participants to develop greater proficiency in electronic legal databases, digital research tools, comparative jurisprudence, legislative updates and advanced research methodologies.
The NJI administrator emphasised the importance of professional ethics, including objectivity, attention to detail, intellectual honesty, discipline and confidentiality.
He said the workshop was designed to strengthen participants’ technical competence while providing an opportunity to examine emerging trends and exchange practical experiences in judicial research.
Adejumo called on the participants to translate lessons from the three-day programme into their daily work, saying this would contribute to improved judicial administration across the country.
“The knowledge acquired here must not remain theoretical; it should find practical expression in your daily responsibilities,” he said.
He reaffirmed the NJI’s commitment to continuous capacity development for judicial personnel, describing it as a key component of strengthening Nigeria’s justice system.
Adejumo commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the NJI Board of Governors, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, as well as the Board’s Education Committee and Heads of Courts for supporting the Institute’s educational programmes.
He also thanked the workshop facilitators and session managers for contributing their expertise to the programme before declaring the National Workshop for Legal and Research Assistants open.
