…as CJN delivers keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Induction Course for Newly Appointed Magistrates and Judges.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged newly appointed magistrates and judges to uphold judicial integrity, reject corruption, and dispense justice with both efficiency and fairness.
Speaking on Monday through the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, the CJN delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Induction Course for Newly Appointed Magistrates and Judges of the Lower Courts (Batch B), held in Abuja.
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who also chairs the Board of Governors of the NJI, reminded the inductees that lower courts are the first point of contact between the public and the justice system, placing on them a weighty responsibility to uphold public confidence.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” she said. “Your decisions must combine legal expertise with an appreciation of the socio-economic realities of the people.”
The theme of the induction course, Enhancing Judicial Efficiency and Quality of Decision-Making, was described by the CJN as timely and crucial to reforming perceptions about Nigeria’s justice system.
She called on the new officers to adopt reforms and innovations that improve justice delivery, including alternative dispute resolution (ADR), consistent sentencing guidelines, and the Nigeria Case Management System a technology-driven tool for case monitoring.
However, she cautioned that innovation must not come at the expense of core judicial values.
“Guard your integrity jealously. Be vigilant against corruption in any guise and avoid any perception of bias,” the CJN warned. “Remember the words of Socrates: a judge should hear courteously, answer wisely, consider soberly, and decide impartially.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun also praised the ongoing collaboration between the NJI and the Judicial College of England and Wales, particularly in training magistrates on legal principles, ethics, case management, and sentencing practices.
Commending the efforts of Justice John Inyang Okoro, Chairman of the NJI Education Committee, and Justice Babatunde Adejumo, NJI Administrator, she reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to continuous training as a safeguard for judicial excellence.
Declaring the 2025 Batch B Induction Course officially open, she expressed confidence that the new magistrates would rise to meet the demands of justice in an evolving society.
On his part, Justice Adejumo issued a stern warning against absenteeism during the induction programme, stating that certificates would not be issued to participants who fail to attend sessions.
He further reminded the participants of their duty to respect the constitutional rights of defendants especially concerning the issue of bail.
“No suspect should be denied bail where the law provides for it. Judicial discretion must be exercised with fairness and according to the law,” he said.
Justice Adejumo reiterated the call for incorruptibility, urging the new magistrates to remain above reproach in all dealings and to serve as models of justice in their respective jurisdictions.
As the training progresses, expectations remain high that these fresh judicial officers will inject new energy and ethical standards into Nigeria’s lower courts the foundation upon which the broader justice system rests.
