Program on Criminal Justice
Activities under the Criminal Justice Program focus on implementation and effectiveness of Criminal Justice and Anti-Corruption Laws particularly the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) with other complementary anti-corruption laws to fight corruption. The Centre organises workshop for Judges, Magistrates and other stakeholders in Criminal Justice Administration aimed at enhancing the understanding and improving the skills of participants on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act/Laws. The Criminal Justice Program is run under the auspices of the Administration of Criminal Justice Academy
Building on the strategic initiatives of the Administration of Criminal Justice Academy, the Centre has institutionalized several platforms designed to bridge the gap between procedural theory and practical application. These activities are broadly categorized into clinical and continuing education frameworks:
Clinical Legal Education & Engagement
The Academy serves as a frontline incubator for the next generation of legal minds through immersive, hands-on learning. A cornerstone of this effort is the National Moot Competition, which successfully launched its inaugural edition in 2025 to test students’ mastery of criminal procedure in a simulated courtroom environment. Beyond competition, the Academy facilitates structured internship placements, embedding students directly within the institutions responsible for administering justice to provide real-world perspective. Furthermore, in a bid to foster long-term institutional impact, the Academy partners with law faculties across Nigeria to establish Administration of Criminal Justice Societies, creating a grassroots network of student-led advocacy and research.
Continuing Legal Education & Research
For the professional community, the Academy functions as a hub for advanced knowledge and career development. It maintains a dedicated journal on criminal justice administration, serving as a repository for contemporary legal thought and reform-oriented scholarship. Practitioners benefit from structured mentorship programs and specialized training sessions tailored to the evolving needs of the sector. Additionally, the Academy promotes intellectual exchange by hosting visiting researchers, ensuring that Nigerian criminal justice discourse remains integrated with global best practices and scholarly innovation. (hyperlink to academy portal)
Program Manager: Ifeanyi Ewuziem
