All human activities, be they social, economic and political, are guided by some forms of rules and regulations and legal framework. Law is a unique subject that cuts across sundry areas and worthy of studying. Philosophically, law is ideological and should not be studied for professional practice only. It is knowledge that everyone should aspire to acquire as part of education as it also adds extra value to every sphere of life operation. Therefore, it is necessary that as many that are interested should have the opportunity to be exposed to Law, or to have a broad and general knowledge and introduction to the discipline. Legal education acts as a stimulus to students’ critical analysis and in-depth examination of the prevailing social, economic and political systems. It also constitutes an intellectual exercise aimed at evaluating the operation, efficacy and relevance of various rules of law in the society.
The College of Law Salem University is established in the ancient city of Lokoja, where the university is located. Being the first Administrative Headquarters of Nigeria, Lokoja enjoys not only a historical distinction but also a geographical advantage that can be exploited for the growth of legal academics. Lokoja occupies a central and unique position in the socio-economic and political geography of Nigeria. Its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with which it shares a boundary, the fact that it also shares boundaries with nine other states of the Federation, and its location as the gateway to both Northern and Southern Nigeria, confer on it that natural advantage not shared by other cities. The College of Law in Salem University, Lokoja does not only service the immediate locality but also provides opportunities for students from the numerous neighbouring states to study and practice the legal profession.
The Salem University College of Law can better be described as a College of Law since it is not intended to host other faculties. It is a mono college comprised of two departments, albeit with the intention of establishing other departments in future. The two departments are:
These two Departments house appropriate subject areas that allow for full domestication of courses in other to facilitate areas of specialization for both Staff and students of the College. Hence, the two Departments are sufficiently viable and good enough to accommodate the core law courses such the Law of contract, Legal System, Constitutional law, Commercial Law, Law of Torts, Law of Evidence and core law courses.
Vision
To be a Centre of excellence for the training of graduates of Law who are worthy in learning and character as well as sound in mind, body and spirit for outstanding leadership and global impact.
Mission
The College of Law aims at:
Philosophy
Our philosophy is to design the curriculum of the College:
1. Within the context of the general philosophy of University education in Nigeria as approved by National Universities Commission (NUC) and Council of Legal Education (CLE) to embrace inter-disciplinary approaches to studies. Accordingly, students of the College of Law are expected to take a number of non-Law elective courses from the following existing Colleges of the University
2. To meet the compulsory requirement to register, take and pass examinations in the courses run by Department of General Studies of the University as approved by NUC Minimum Guidelines and
3. To also take courses in computer. This is in order to prepare prospective students intellectually to apply the rule of law in various social, economic and political contexts and interactions.
4. The above interdisciplinary, inter-college courses are necessary and pertinent. This is because, globalization and technological changes have had a profound effect in transforming Law as it seeks to shape and adapt to new conditions. Invariably, twenty-first century legal graduates are entering a more complex and structurally different service environment from that of their predecessors. To effectively participate in such legal services marketplace, this law programme is designed for experiential and interdisciplinary learning, in addition to instructing law students in the substantive areas of law and skills of legal analysis. It is important that students of this programme should have multiple experiences, including skills to draft complaints, develop discovery plans, and engage in negotiations or appellate advocacy.
5. It should be noted that other existing Colleges are obliged to take some electives such as Introduction Law, legal System and Equity and Trust, etc, to enrich students from other Colleges.
Objectives
At the completion of law programme, graduates should:
What you will learn
Students will engage in a wide range of Legal Practice including Legal research, drafting document, negotiation and advocacy. They will also be engaged in the study of Legal principles and Jurisprudence and Legal Theory.
Dean, College of Law
