Nigeria had something to cheer about in India as some students of the Lagos State University (LASU) defeated law students of Gurat National Law University in an international competition.
The 8th edition of the Gujarat National Law University International Moot Court Competition on international trade law (GIMC) 2016 was attended by 42 countries from all over the world and despite the fact that the Nigerians could not proceed after defeating the Indians, they had done enough to convince the international community that the country’s legal practitioners are no pushovers. US, Australia, Indonesia, India, Sri-lanka, Nepal and other countries across the world were among the participants in the international competition.
According to The Cable.ng, Michael Babalola, Taiwo Okuneye, Mabawonku Olanrewaju, all graduating students of LASU, and Rufus Olaoluwa, head of the department jurisprudence and international law, stunned the Indians in the second round of the competition, but could not beat other competitiors. Speaking after the feat, Babalola said it was a great feeling of success to have defeated a law-focused university revered by its neighbours.
“It was a great feeling of success because neighbouring universities had talked about the expertise of the school, bearing in mind the specialization of the college in law, which is evident in their laurels arcade situated at the schools administrative building,” the Nigerian noted.
LASU was the only university from Nigeria and Africa to have graced the contest which happens to be India’s only moot court competition based on international trade law and is recognized by various international organizations such as the American Society of International Law (ASIL), the International Law Students Association (ILSA), the Asian Society of International Law (Asian SIL) and the World Trade Institute (WTI).
The theme of this year’s edition of the moot dealt with issues of “domestic content requirements, interference in the use of trademarks and imposition of other barriers to trade.” Although they did not make it to the finals of the competition, the LASU showed great spirit of sportsmanship when they conceded defeat. Babalola, who led the Nigerians, said:
“My team members and I felt denied of our right to the finals. However, in the spirit of sportsmanship, we were happy with the judges’ comments of ‘our excellent advocacy skills.” “Having had one of the highest marks at the preliminary stage and the good impression and comments, participants from other regions had a positive mindset about what Nigeria, Africa could offer in terms of Legal research and advocacy.”
LASU has been notorious for industrial strike actions in the country, having battled challenges associated with the replacement of their immediate past Vice Chancellor, but this news will restore positivity to the perception of Nigerians about the institution.
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