FACULTY OF LAW 

GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE FACULTY AND ITS PROGRAMMES

1.     Introduction

The study of law involves the acquisition of a variety of intellectual skills. These skills will be central to understanding and critically analyzing the rules and institutions which society establishes to secure and promote justice and order. In addition to being a preparation for the legal profession, knowledge of law, and the creative and imaginative powers of reasoning the study of law develops, is valued by many employers.

At Edo State University, Uzairue (EDSU) it is envisaged that student will learn that law is not a body of knowledge stored in libraries, but a presence all around us, constantly evident in our social, civil and business interactions. To study law with EDSU is not to amass large quantities of stored information, but to explore key issues of fundamental importance to society.

EDSU Law LLB degree aims at providing students with the essential legal and academic skills to be successful in law as well as a range of transferable skills sought after in many other sectors.

The qualities that EDSU hope students will develop while studying law are independent and original thought, and enhanced powers of reasoning about many varied aspects of human activity.

2.    Brief History of the Faculty

The faculty is one of the faculties scheduled to take off in the First phase of the University’s development. The specific take off session is the 2016/2017 Academic session. Three Academic Departments namely; Jurisprudence and Legal Theory, Private and Business Law and Public and International Law form the foundation departments for the commencement of studies in the Faculty.  The foundation staff consists of 14 academic staff, made of adjuncts and tenured, three non-academic staff, a Law librarian and Computer System Analyst for the faculty’s e- library.

Goals and Objectives of the Faculty of Law                                 

In line with the Motto of the University, “Quality Education for Development”, the goal of the Faculty is to educate students from diverse backgrounds to become effective, ethical professionals who are employable in a variety of legal settings. The six cornerstones to achieving this goal are:

1. Knowledge of law
2. Practical application
3. Analytical ability
4. Effective communication
5. Technology literacy
6. Community consciousness

The Faculty, in furtherance of the University’s Mission, will strive to help students build a framework for life that is ethical, service-oriented, and appreciative of diversity and committed to continuing education. In addition to majoring in Legal Studies, students shall receive a well-rounded general education; with exposure to the traditional liberal arts, social sciences and management fields of study, in order to develop their abilities to communicate, both orally and in writing, to think critically and creatively, and to access, analyze, synthesize, evaluate information and generally manage resources.

The General Objectives of the Faculty are that students will: 

1. Learn the law and legal principles in a variety of subject areas as well as understand legal procedures and practices.
2. Recognize and apply the ethical rules and standards of conduct involved in the practice of law.
3. Analyze legal problems, correctly applying the applicable law.
4. Research case and statutory law, using traditional and technological methods.
5. Function effectively with the computer technology used in practice and be prepared to adapt to ever-changing technological advances.
6. Draft legal documents, including letters, using proper English, format, and clarity.
7. Display effective oral communication skills to be used with clients, counsels, witnesses, and other persons.
8. Be knowledgeable about the role and qualifications of the legal profession, including the necessity of continuing legal education and staying abreast of changes and advancements in the profession.
9. Develop organizational skills necessary for successful law office functioning, including categorizing and organizing documents, calendaring, prioritizing work, managing time, using forms, and maintaining billing data.
10. Gain basic skills in factual investigation and interviewing.