Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri has set a new benchmark in Nigerian legal education, sweeping the inaugural Environmental Justice and Climate Impact Litigation Moot Court Competition (EJCIL-MC) 2025/2026 with a dominant performance.
Organized by the International Working Group on Petroleum Pollution and Just Transition in the Niger Delta (IWG), alongside NULAI Nigeria and a coalition of environmental and academic partners, the competition drew 71 law faculties nationwide. IMSU's team claimed top honors, securing Best Team, Best Memorial, and Best Oralist awards in both moot and mock rounds.
This was revealed by the Dean, Faculty of Law, Imo State University, Prof. K. C. Okorie, SAN, FCArb during the presentation visit to the University Management. He stated that the award winning students was under the expert guidance of the Team Coach Dr. Ngozi Chuma Umeh. The IMSU team was made up of 3 final year (500 level) Law Students, and the victorious squad featured standout performer Onyemauwa Covenant Ugonna (Best Oralist), Onyemauche Light Ihuoma, and Linus-Eleazu Eunan.
Inspired by the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission Report (May 2023), the event centered on "Historical Wrongs and Contemporary Remedies," exploring petroleum pollution, Niger Delta climate justice, environmental rights, corporate accountability, and Nigeria's global obligations. After intense preliminaries from February 9 to 21, 2026, 17 teams advanced to oral rounds, with semi-finals and finals held March 26 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
IMSU bested the University of Benin in a thrilling final, following semi-final wins over strong contenders including Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Federal University, Wukari.
Presiding over key sessions was Honourable Justice Elsie Thompson of the Rivers State High Court, joined by a prestigious judiciary featuring Prof. Ernest Ojukwu, SAN; Matthew Renshaw (Leigh Day, UK); Dr. Irekpitan Okukpon (University of Bradford); and Barr. Chima Williams (Environmental Defenders Network), among other global experts.
In his reaction, the Vice-chancellor of Imo State University, Prof. Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, on behalf of the University Management, expressed great Joy for the victory and appreciated the students for making the University proud. He added, "light has entered in this University as shown in numerous victories recorded by our students from various departments at both national and international competitions and no one can quench this light". Prof. Chukwumaeze therefore, thanked the students for being the agent of that light.
Speaking further, the Vice-chancellor stated, "this achievement underscores IMSU's Management commitment to nurturing innovative legal minds equipped to tackle Nigeria's pressing environmental challenges". He also said, "IMSU's management has long prioritized interdisciplinary excellence, investing in all Faculties, Departments and student programs that align with national development goals".
Prof. Chukwumaeze however thanked the visitor to Imo State University, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, (ONWA), who's support to the University enabled all the numerous positive results recorded under his administration.
Partners such as GENCGOV, HEDA, University of Bradford, Leigh Day, and the NBA-LEC hailed the competition's role in elevating climate litigation skills. Organizers praised the participants' advocacy prowess, noting IMSU's win as a catalyst for bridging gaps in environmental law training across Nigeria.
Those present at the presentation visit were; members of the University Management Committee and the members of the University Management support Staff.
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