Leading diplomats and international law experts have emphasised the urgent need for sustained capacity development and training on international law and diplomacy in order to fully accentuate Nigeria’s foreign policy interest at the global stage.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Basil-Momodu-Esq1.png")
The recommendation was made in Lagos at the high-level opening ceremony kickstarting the one-week Certificate of Advanced Studies in International Law and Diplomacy course organized by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) in partnership with the International Law Association (Nigerian Branch). The ultimate objective of the course is to expose participants to the specialised knowledge and skillsets required for the practice of international law and diplomacy.
The opening ceremony featured compelling remarks by leading diplomats and experts including Professor Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN, President of the International Law Association Nigeria; Prof. Animi Sylvanus-Pepple, the acting Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS); Professor Olufemi Elias, Judge-adhoc of the International Court of Justice, Hague amongst other dignitaries.
While welcoming and congratulating participants for being selected for this high-level course, the acting Director General of NIALS, who was represented by the Secretary of the Insitute, noted that the interdisciplinary course is designed to help participants think critically about diplomatic and international legal issues in real-life contexts, while applying theory to practice and addressing some of the key questions facing the world today, and looking at contemporary practice and major events.
On his part, while delivering a goodwill message of the occasion, Professor Olufemi Elias, who is also President of the Administrative Tribunal of the OPEC Fund, emphasized the crucial role of international law in promoting global peace and sustainable development. He commended the ILA for putting together this timely and important training prgram that would go a long way in the development of the next cadre of experts in international law and diplomacy.
On his part, the President of the ILA, Nigeria, Professor Damilola Olawuyi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of International Law, who is also an Independent Expert on the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, Switzerland, noted the important roles of international law in solving today’s global challenges. He noted that “International law has become ever so important in light of the complex challenges facing our current world. Throughout this week, participants will be taught and inspired by experts skilled in the art and craft of international law and diplomacy on the roles we can play in being the the heart of fostering solutions. They will also have a chance to network, strategise and develop relationships that will enable them to launch and advance their careers in this important field.”
While emphasising the importance of highly skilled international law negotiators and diplomats if Nigeria is to attract the best deals at the international stage, Professor Olawuyi called for sustained support for such training programs that will unlock a steady track of qualified experts that will advance Nigeria and Africa’s intrerests globally. He commended NIALS for providing such an innovative and inspiring platform for advanced studies in international law and diplomacy and called on all participants to “fully immerse themselves in the opportunities provided by the course.”
The one-week course will cover contemporary themes in public and private international law, taught by leading experts, including modules on artificial intellegence and new technologies, international human rights and humanitarian law, international criminal law, international energy and petroleum transactions, climate change and sustainable development, conflict resolution, international commercial arbitration, AFCTA and international economic integration, as well as ethics and skillsets for international diplomacy, amongst others.
Established in 1979, NIALS is the apex legal research and training institute in Nigeria, while the International Law Association (ILA) was established in 1873, with the objective and mandate to promote “the study, clarification, and development of international law, both public and private, and the furtherance of international understanding and respect for international law.” The Nigerian Branch of the ILA regularly hosts innovative lectures, seminars, conferences, and other capacity development programs to advance the study and understanding of international law in Nigeria. To learn more about the ILA, its activities, and events visit http://www.ila-hq.org.
Contact & Orders 📞 0704 444 4777 | 0704 444 4999 | 0818 199 9888 🌐 www.alexandernigeria.com
______________________________________________________________________ [Now Available] -- From Crime Scene To Courtroom: An Authoritative Legal Handbook On Police Investigations
In this authoritative work, Basil Momodu Esq., titled Police Investigations in Nigeria Through the Cases 📖 Available now Call 07051822705 or any of the recommended independent booksellers listed hereunder. ______________________________________________________________________ 
“History of Rivers State Judiciary: A Compendium of Personalities on the Bench.” Authored by Ampim Gogo Blankson, Esq., Deputy Director at the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rivers State Judiciary 💰 Cover Price: ₦20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) Bukky Law Books, Rivers State High Court Complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt – 📞 08034868754📞 08034729738📞 Enquiries: ______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials 
