Department of Private & Public Law

Department of Public and Private Law

Established in the year 2005, the Department of Public and Private Law has grown to become a vital pillar in the Faculty of Law, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU). Since its inception, the department has remained committed to delivering world-class legal education, training professionals with the intellectual and ethical grounding required to excel in the legal field locally and globally.

Historical Overview

Founded in 2005, the Department of Public and Private Law has achieved numerous academic and administrative milestones. Over the years, it has earned several accreditations from the National Universities Commission (NUC), affirming its high standard of academic delivery and administrative efficiency. The department has produced a significant number of distinguished alumni and faculty members, including no fewer than thirteen professors who have contributed immensely to legal education and practice.

Notable scholars who have served as Heads of Department include:

• Prof. T.C. Eze
• Prof. E.Q. Okolie
• Prof. C.I.N. Emelie
• Dr. C.C. Ojimba

These leaders have laid strong foundations and guided the department through various stages of growth, positioning it for its present level of academic excellence.

Mission & Philosophy

Mission Statement: The mission of the Department of Public and Private Law is to provide a robust legal education that nurtures critical thinking, professional integrity, and social responsibility. The department aims to produce lawyers who can contribute meaningfully to the advancement of legal practice and jurisprudence in Nigeria and across the globe.

Philosophy and Core Values: At the heart of the department is the belief in "Legal Education Throughout". This philosophy emphasizes lifelong learning and the constant pursuit of knowledge and justice. The department values academic integrity, excellence in teaching and research, discipline, professionalism, and service to society.

Academic Programmes

The Department of Public and Private Law offers a wide range of academic programmes, including:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)

These programmes are structured to equip students with comprehensive legal knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for diverse careers in legal practice, academia, public service, and beyond.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Admission:

• A minimum JAMB score of 230
• O'Level requirements include English Language, Literature-in-English, and Government

Postgraduate Admission:

• A minimum CGPA of 2.50 at the undergraduate level

Admission Deferment and Transfer:

Students may defer their admission upon valid grounds, with approval from the Vice-Chancellor. Additionally, students from disciplines such as the Social Sciences and Arts may be transferred into the Law programme, subject to academic eligibility and institutional guidelines.

Student Capacity:

The department currently admits a maximum of 100 students per academic session to maintain a favorable staff-student ratio and ensure high-quality instruction and mentorship.

Research & Publications

The Department of Public and Private Law is actively involved in scholarly research and publication. It organizes regular seminars and conferences aimed at deepening legal scholarship and stimulating intellectual engagement among staff and students.

Publications include:

• Law Journal Vol. 3 No. 1
• Private & Public Law Journal Vol. 2 No. 1

The department also maintains soft copies of conference proceedings for academic reference and global dissemination.

Academic Staff

Each member of the faculty is actively involved in research, mentoring, and community service.

Achievements

• Multiple accreditations by the National Universities Commission (NUC)
• Production of high-quality graduates contributing significantly in various sectors
• Emergence of 13 professors from the department
• Continuous publication of high-impact journals

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, the department aims to elevate COOU's Faculty of Law to a position of global competitiveness, by enhancing research, expanding collaborations, and adopting cutting-edge legal curricula that align with global best practices.