A.    OBJECTIVES AND MANDATE

The law in African is a diverse mix of Common Law, Customary Law and Religious Law Systems. Africa is the 2nd largest continent and has about 54 countries. Africa has been shaped primarily through different countries’ inheritance law which existed in Europe through the 19th century. For instance, the primary sources of Nigerian law were English common law while those of South Africa were Roman-Dutch and English common law. In fact, Africa has more applicable laws (through customary) than any other continent. Many of these combinations do not stem from voluntary development of African legal systems; rather they are influenced by domineering colonial powers.

In view of the above, the mandate of the African and Comparative Law Department includes:

1. Analyzing and understudy the genesis, background and nature of African laws;
2. Studying the interaction and cross influence of diverse legal systems and cultures which increase as national borders become less significant;
3. Studying the similarities and differences between the legal systems of different jurisdictions in Africa;
4. Understanding African Laws and Making a case for reform;
5. Understanding the dynamics, strengths, weaknesses and reforms taking place within African legal systems;
6. Studying international law and its enforcement in Africa.

The objectives and mandate of the Department are carried out through the following:
a.    Roundtables;
b.    Workshops;
c.    Journals publications; and
d.    Seminar presentations

B.    STAFF STRENGTH

Currently, the department comprises the following members of staff:

Head of Department:

Mr. Anyebe Peter Ademu Senior Research Fellow)

1. Professor Animi Awah, Director of Studies (Lagos)
2. Mrs. Madu Vivian, LL.M, RFI (Lagos)
3. Mrs. Oparavero Prudence LL.M, RF II (Abuja)
4. Mrs. Eboh Nnenna, LL.M, RF II (Abuja)
5. Mrs. Omojola, Oluwakemi LL.M RF II (Lagos)
6. Mrs. Idowu, Temidayo, LL.M RF Ii (Abuja)
7. Mr. Ajanwachukwu Chibueze, LL.M RF II (Abuja)
8. Mrs. Anozie, Ijeoma, LL.B, ARF (Abuja)

C.    DEPARTMENT JOURNAL
The Journal of African and Comparative Law is domiciled in the Department. The journal aims to present information on pressing issues pertaining to international and comparative law; articles on public and private international law are also accepted. Articles submitted to be published in the journal are subjected to blind peer review to ensure that published articles meet the international standard for scholarly publication.