RSU Private and Property Law Department Holds 3rd Annual Conference

By Favour Barivure Dornanu 

The Department of Private and Property Law, Rivers State University (RSU), held its 3rd Annual Conference on Thursday 5th June, 2025 at the Dr. Nyesom Wike Senate Building, with the theme “Exploring New Frontiers in Private and Property Law for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi in his goodwill message stated that the legal system plays an indispensable role in shaping the track of sustainable development in Nigeria. “Particularly in Nigeria, the intersection of private and property law with sustainable development is a critical area that holds great potential for advancing equitable growth, strengthening legal institutions, and promoting responsible governance”, he said.

He reveled that the theme of the programme resonates deeply with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which addresses land rights, ensures equitable access to property, promoting affordable housing, access to justice and accountable governance in private and property transactions.

He commended the organizers of the Conference and encouraged participants to be bold in their ideas and collaborative in their approach through their research, presentations and discussions.  

The Chairman of the Occasion and former Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Iche N. Ndu (Rtd.), while delivering both his Opening Speech and Keynote Address stated that as Nigeria confronts environmental, economic, and legal challenges, the legal profession must evolve to meet the demands of sustainability. He described Private and Property Law as critical tools in ensuring fairness, justice, and equity across generations, referencing landmark cases like SPDC v. Farah and Savannah Bank v. Ajilo to illustrate the power of legal frameworks in land rights and environmental justice.

Hon. Justice Ndu who was also the Chairman of the 12th & 13th Governing Council of the University advocated for reforms in land tenure systems, especially a review of the Land Use Act of 1978, to eliminate bottlenecks and support access to land for agriculture, housing, and development. He emphasized integrating environmental clauses into contract law, strengthening tort law for environmental accountability, and using technology—including blockchain and AI—for efficient land registration and dispute resolution. 

He drew attention to climate change as “the big elephant in the room,” urging the Nigerian legal community to engage in climate litigation and promote green legal frameworks. He stressed that the law should not be used as a fortress for privilege but as a bridge to opportunity and equity.

Earlier in her Welcome Address, the Head of Department, Private and Property Law, Professor Grace O. Akolokwu, disclosed that the Conference aims to provide a forum for knowledge exchange, education in central legal matters, promoting of academic excellence in the ivory tower as well as translating knowledge garnered from teaching and research to confronting social challenges. 

She highlighted ongoing challenges such as land grabbing, urban disputes, family law crises, and the legal grey areas around surrogacy and assisted reproduction, stressing the need for regulatory reforms and updated legal instruments. 

She acknowledged the various support received for the Conference. “The reality of this occasion of the 3rd Annual Conference of the Department of Private and Property Law is an amazing feat for which I, on behalf of the Department give all the glory to God. This unbroken chain of serious academic exercise in these very austere times would have remained a mirage but for the support of the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of Law, and the unequivocal and deliberate support of our former Head of Department, Eze Dr. Anugbum Onuoha who initiate the idea”, she said.