The National Judicial Institute has commenced the National Workshop for Judicial Administrators on Judicial Ethics, with a call on court administrative staff to uphold integrity, fairness, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The opening ceremony was detailed in a statement issued by the Head, Information, and Public Relations, National Judicial Institute, Kolade Umoru. In his welcome address, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice B.A. Adejumo, OFR, reminded judicial administrators of their critical duties and mandates within the courts and in service to the public.
He highlighted the objectives of the workshop and encouraged active engagement between facilitators and participants through meaningful interactions, exchange of ideas, and deliberations. The Administrator commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, FNJI, for her leadership, vision, and continued support for the judiciary and the Institute.
He also expressed appreciation to the representative of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa, JSC, CFR, noting his unwavering commitment to institutional reform and capacity development. He further emphasized the importance of fostering ethical relationships among judicial staff, leadership, and subordinates.
The Administrator acknowledged the invaluable guidance of the Chairman of the Education Committee of the NJI Board of Governors, John Inyang Okoro, CFR, JSC, and extended appreciation to members of the committee, Heads of Courts, facilitators, and presenters in attendance.
The ceremony was formally declared open by Hon. Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa, JSC, CFR, who underscored the vital role of administrative staff in the judiciary. He noted that personnel responsible for filing processes, managing court records, and handling administrative duties are central to the efficiency and credibility of the courts.
Describing judicial administrators as “the public face of the judiciary,” he stated that their conduct can significantly enhance or undermine public confidence in the justice system. He urged them to uphold core ethical principles—integrity, fairness, professionalism, honesty, and confidentiality—which reflect the standards of the bench.
Justice Saulawa also addressed the importance of ethical governance in the use of technology supporting court processes and proceedings. In his concluding remarks, he encouraged participants to cascade the knowledge and insights gained from the workshop to their respective institutions, reiterating that “Strengthening judicial staff is the bedrock of a strong Judiciary.”
Umoru said the workshop is designed to reinforce ethical conduct among judicial administrators whose work directly impacts public trust in the justice system. Umoru added that the Institute remains committed to continuous capacity development for all categories of judicial personnel.
