Raji calls for justice system renewal, greater access to justice
By Mustafa Abubakar
The Acting Head of the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin, Dr Barakat Adebisi Raji, has called for renewed commitment to justice, the rule of law, professional ethics and service to society.
Dr Raji, who stated this last Tuesday (September 15, 2026) in her message marking the New Legal Year while speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin, said the occasion provides an important opportunity for the legal profession to pause and reflect on the achievements and challenges of the past year, while renewing its collective commitment to strengthening the administration of justice.
According to her, the celebration should serve as a period of honest reflection on the state of the justice system, particularly issues surrounding delay in the determination of cases, access to justice, judicial independence, professional ethics and public confidence in the courts.
She urged legal practitioners and other stakeholders to use the occasion to examine how effectively the justice system is responding to the needs of ordinary citizens.
“Being a member of the legal profession is not merely about earning a livelihood; it comes with a profound responsibility to uphold justice, fairness, integrity and the rule of law,” she said.
Dr Raji stressed that the beginning of a new legal year should inspire judges, lawyers, academics and other stakeholders to recommit themselves to these ideals. She added that it is also an opportunity to recognise and celebrate professional and judicial achievements.
She noted that the contributions of judges, lawyers, academics and institutions to the development of law and the administration of justice deserved to be acknowledged and encouraged.
The don also called for greater attention to access to justice and the protection of vulnerable members of society as she said that legal professionals must continue to explore ways of making the justice system more accessible, affordable and responsive, particularly to women, children and other vulnerable persons.
Dr Raji further noted that the legal profession is operating in a rapidly changing environment, particularly with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, digital technology, alternative dispute resolution and other innovations.
She urged members of the profession to embrace useful innovations while ensuring that due process, professional ethics, human rights and the fundamental principles of justice are not compromised.
“For us as academics and legal educators, the New Legal Year is equally a reminder of our responsibility to produce lawyers who are not only knowledgeable in the law but are also conscious of their ethical responsibilities and the changing needs of society,” she said.
She described the New Legal Year as a period of reflection, renewal, recognition and recommitment, stressing that while the profession celebrates its achievements, the occasion should also be used to renew collective determination to strengthen the justice system, restore public confidence and make the law more responsive to societal needs.
Dr Raji prayed that the new legal year would bring wisdom, renewed commitment and greater success to judges, lawyers, academics and all stakeholders in the administration of justice.
