Achievers University has recorded a significant academic milestone as its Faculty of Law emerged winners of the Best Memorial Award at the Nigerian National Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, widely regarded as the world’s largest and most prestigious moot court contest.
Organised annually by the International Law Students Association (ILSA), the Philip C. Jessup Competition attracts participation from over 800 universities across more than 90 countries, simulating proceedings before the International Court of Justice and testing students’ excellence in public international law, written advocacy and oral argumentation.
The Achievers University delegation distinguished itself among teams from other Nigerian universities, earning national recognition for the quality of its written submissions known as memorials – a core element of the competition that evaluates legal reasoning, research depth and clarity of argument.
In his congratulatory remarks, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Oyesoji Aremu, described the feat as “a defining moment for Achievers University’s global academic engagement,” noting that the award reflects both intellectual depth and disciplined preparation. He commended the students for projecting the University’s values of excellence and integrity on a national stage and affirmed management’s commitment to formally recognising the team’s achievement through official commendations and institutional support. Calling strongly to broaden student participation in future moots and to sustain high-flying achievements across the University community, Prof. Aremu emphasized the need to entrench all levels of students. Achievers University says the milestone reinforces its standing as a rising centre of legal scholarship and global academic engagement.
Earlier briefing the Ag. Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Olaposi Olaseeni, said the performance accentuates the faculty’s emphasis on experiential learning and international exposure. “Our students competed with confidence and clarity against teams from leading institutions, proving that Achievers University belongs at the highest level of global legal advocacy,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the team leader, Mr. Godwin Marvelous David, attributed the success to rigorous mentorship and teamwork. He explained that the Best Memorial Award recognises exceptional written submissions, often the backbone of persuasive advocacy in international law. “This recognition validates months of research, drafting and redrafting. We are grateful for the guidance of our lecturers and the enabling environment provided by the university,” he said.
The Achievers University delegation comprised high-performing scholars from across the Faculty of Law: Priscilla Oluyemisi Olorunfemi, Joy Kelechi Chukwuma, Adekunle Lateefah Oluwabusolami, Benjamin Bawa Oghenerukevwe, Eki Annemarie Oghenekome, and Nneeh Esther Omeniogo. Notably, every member of the team who is either in 400 or 500 level maintains a minimum of 4.0 CGPA, reinforcing the University’s reputation for nurturing academically exceptional students across faculties.
The team was mentored by a trio of lecturer-advisors whose expertise shaped the students’ preparation and performance: the Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Law, Mr. Sunday John Apochi, alongside Dr. Cynthia C. Izu and Mr. Olayide Dara. The Ag. Vice-Chancellor praised the advisers for their hands-on coaching and commitment to student development.
The national Jessup success adds to the Faculty of Law’s growing record of distinction. Recently, three first-class graduates of the Faculty also made first class at the Nigerian Law School—highlighting a consistent pipeline of excellence from undergraduate training to professional qualification.
