By Glory Ugochukwu
Gregory University Uturu, Abia State has inaugurated a Centre for Immigration Law Studies (CILS) in the university, the first of its kind in Nigeria.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Vice Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu, Prof. Augustine A. Uwakwe said that, “The centre for immigration law studies (CILS) is an internationally recognized university based intuition combining academic excellence (research, teaching & training) and effective capacity building to advance dissemination in the field of immigration law and provide vigor in Immigration policy formulation, review and implementation in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.”
He also said, “The University hatched this vision for the attainment of a better society where human lives and properties must be safe, adding that the pursuit of happiness is a noble objective and attainable. It is necessary and desirable that the discipline of laws as a profession and a course of study must synergize with and interrogate other disciplines and endeavors.”
Deputy Registrar, Media and Public Relations of Gregory University Uturu, Sleek Ogbonnaya Ogwo said that, “The centre will organise professional workshops for officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service, while serving as a research centre that deploys conferences and seminars to explore and dissect key legal and policy issues on migration management.
It is also envisaged that the centre will provide advisory services on immigration law and services.” Former Director-General of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and member of Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal, Prof Epiphany Azinge, who spoke on the topic, ‘Future of Immigration Law and Policy in Nigeria’, hinted that the center will not only develop the university, but will ensure that graduates of the school stand the test of time in the competitive market.