The Legal Framework for the Protection of Wetlands in Nigeria

Traditionally, wetlands have been viewed as places to be avoided and dreaded or as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, diseases and sources of air pollution. But times have changed. Various roles have now been attributed to wetlands which have succeeded in elevating those to popular venues not only of recreation, but also being economic power houses. Wetlands are described as  “areas of marsh, fen, wetland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed  six metres. The purpose of this paper is to examine the existing legal framework for the protection of wetlands in Nigeria with a view to identifying gaps and deficiencies in the laws. The paper notes that the existing legislations are inadequate. Recommendations will also be made for possible rules that can be accommodated in future to ensure a vibrant legal framework for ensuring a healthy and sustainable use of wetlands in Nigeria

THE CONCEPT OF GENDER JUSTICE AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN NIGERIA: ADDRESSING THE MISSING LINK

Over the years, Nigeria has gained the unpopular recognition globally as a patriarchal society in which the inalienable rights of women are often subjected to ridicule, extensive abuse, neglect and violations. Cultural, religious and societal norms have arguably entrenched a historical imbalance in power relationships between men and women and have tilted the overall perceptions and roles of women in Nigeria. In Nigeria, it could be said that the abuse of the natural rights of a woman begins from the time of her birth and only comes to an end at the time of her death. In many parts of Nigeria, particularly the North, women who are prematurely and compulsorily betrothed to a man at birth are not allowed access to basic education and are generally burdened with domestic household chores. These becomes the foundation for a lifetime of circular and absolute dependence on a man she does not know: and upon the demise of the man her right to inherit his property is denied and her life becomes miserable because of obnoxious practices which she could be made to undergo as a sign of respect for the deceased husband. These cultural, religious and societal norms are arguably at the root of the historical neglect of women in Nigeria. The rapid ascendancy of human rights in Nigeria, coupled with Nigeria’s prominent role as a signatory to virtually all the core international human right treaties and instruments raised expectations that women in Nigeria may begin to enjoy some measure of protection from archaic and anachronistic practices that subject them to a wanton abuse. The scope of these happenings requires an extensive reflection and worthy of scholarly examination in the light of recent debates in the Nigeria National Assembly on child marriage, women’s right and the need for constitutional protection for the girl child. This paper examines the nature, scope and extent of human rights protection afforded to women under Nigerian domestic laws and under international law. It reflects on how key issues such as child marriage, women’s property rights and female succession norms and practices affect gender justice and the protection and fulfillment of the rights of women in Nigeria. It discusses the possible legal panacea to these historical and cultural challenges in this 21 st century

The Role of Technology in the Advancement of Legal Education and Practice in Nigeria

Technology has revolutionized the way, ease, speed and time with which we conduct our activities. Business transactions are conducted faster, learning and teaching are richer, and generally the legal profession is better positioned. The legal profession is known for its conservatism and traditionalism which many believe must be preserved in order to maintain the prestige of the profession. However, technological advancement may have put a strain on this ideology. The wave of technological advancement and globalization which has swept through various aspects of the society has not left the profession in its path. Technology including Information and Communication Technology (ICT) now plays a quintessential role in legal practice and education. It is becoming increasingly clear in Nigeria as well as a reality that technology is a prerequisite for effective and efficient legal education and practice. This paper examines the important role technology plays in legal education and practice in the 21st century. Focus is placed on how much technology has impacted legal education and practice in Nigeria. The challenges faced in the application of technology in these areas are quite colossal. Despite this, it is important for the legal profession to forge ahead in overcoming these challenges as the application of technology is not only the global trend but also the way forward

Enabling Access and Legal Rights of the Physically Challenged to Education in Academic Institutions in Nigeria

A good starting point towards building a sustainable future for the physically challenged in Nigeria is to provide effective legal backing, access to education and institutional structure to support their educational empowerment. This paper seeks to interrogate whether the physically challenged in Nigeria have secured their legal and institutional right of access to education. It is observed that the physically challenged are continually being deprived reasonable access to education and this has contributed negatively to their social conditions in the long run. It is suggested that the Nigerian government should streamline a substantial legal and policy framework with the aim of guaranteeing access to education for all persons with disability. In order for these policies to succeed, the changes should fundamentally transform the educational approach by ensuring that persons with disability are not excluded from the general educational system on the basis of disability. Keywords: Academic Institutions, Access, Legal Rights, Physically Challenged, Nigeri