After two weeks of rigorous advocacy, sharp legal reasoning, and inspiring displays of young talent, the 2025 ACA–PILIWA Moot Court Competition has officially come to a close — leaving behind not just winners, but a renewed sense of purpose for public interest law across West Africa.
From the virtual preliminary rounds to the grand in-person finale at the College of Law, Caleb University, the competition brought together some of the brightest law students from across South-West Nigeria to interrogate critical issues of human rights and environmental justice. Each round reflected the depth of preparation, resilience, and intellectual courage that defines the next generation of public interest lawyers.
After an intense and highly competitive final round, the champions emerged:
🥇 First Position: Lagos State University (LASU)
🥈 Second Position: Caleb University
🥉 Third Position: Olabisi Onabanjo University
Special honours were also awarded to outstanding individual and team performances:
🏆 Best Oralist: Baruwa Haliyah (Caleb University) — for her exceptional courtroom presence, clarity, and persuasive advocacy.
📄 Best Memorial: University of Lagos — for the depth, structure, and legal brilliance of their written submissions.
Beyond the rankings, this competition achieved something even more profound: it sharpened minds, built confidence, and strengthened commitment to justice. Participants explored the practical application of regional and international human rights instruments, tested their advocacy skills under pressure, and engaged meaningfully with the realities of public interest litigation in Africa.
Through this initiative, Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), the Public Interest Lawyering Initiative for West Africa (PILIWA), and Caleb University have once again reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to nurturing young advocates and promoting social justice, environmental protection, and human dignity across the continent.
As the curtains fall on this historic inaugural edition, one truth stands clear:
The future of public interest law in Africa is bold, brilliant, and already in motion.
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