Akpata charges law students against over dependence on AI

PORT HARCOURT: A former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, has tasked law students to give attention to building their skill and confidence in putting up good arguments, adding that Artificial Intelligence cannot stand to argue cases in the courtrooms.

Akpata, the 30th President of NBA, spoke in Port Harcourt during the 2026 Niger Delta Development Commission’s, NDDC, annual Moot and Mock Trial Competition for law faculties in universities within the Niger Delta states.

The yearly moot court competition is organised by the NDDC for students in law faculties and departments across universities in the Niger Delta states.

Akpata, who commended NDDC for the initiative, said the competition shows the value the commission places on the profession for the transformation of the region. 

Akpata said those who are successful in law are those who have the skill to construct good arguments to persuade the listners, noting that advancements in innovation cannot stand to argue in court rooms.

He charged law faculties in universities to invest in the establishment of Moot courts, adding that the process helps the law students build confidence in the profession. 

Akpata said: “We are living through a period of extraordinary advancement in technology and innovation like the Artificial Intelligence, AI.

“Most arguments can now be done by machine. But the ability to stand in court and argue what you did not anticipate is what the machine cannot do for you.

“If you are looking for a set of skills that machines cannot do, this event provides that skill. It is not enough to train layers in classroom, but more appropriate to create the opportunities for the students practice the law. Every faculty of law to take this serious and invest in moot court as a core part of legal education.”

However, the Chairman of the 7th Governing Board of the NDDC, Mr Chiedu Ebie, ESQ., while declaring the competition open, said NDDC’s interest in the Moot Court Trial Competitions was following the strategic role its plays in building the confidence of young legal minds.

Ebie said: “Moot Court competitions offer students a platform to hone their advocacy and courtroom presentation skills, and to learn firsthand lessons that will serve them well in their future careers. 

“They present an opportunity for students to step outside the classroom and engage in practical courtroom practice. It is our expectation that this competition lays a the foundation for the advocacy skills these young legal minds will need to draw attention to the challenges of our region, even at this early stage of their careers.”

Also the Managing Director of NDDC, His Royal Highness, Samuel Ogbuku, Ph.D, noted that feedbacks from past competitions have shown that the Moot Trial plays a crucial role in the legal education of law students and aspiring layers. 

Ogbuku, who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NDDC, Alabo Boma Iyaye, said it helps them to acquire very important knowledge, advocacy skills and practical experience that shape their future.