Students of Start-Rite Schools, one of the top educational institutions in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, renowned for its academic excellence and exceptional standards, recently visited the Court of Appeal to afford the students the opportunity of understanding the judicial system and gaining insight into the role of the court, its structure and procedures.
In a statement released by the school and captioned ‘A Day in the Halls of Justice: Start-Rite Students at the Court of Appeal,’ the students were said to have had a nice time in the course of the visit, acquainting themselves with the courtroom setting and interacting with top judicial officials.
The statement reads, “It is not every day that students step into one of the highest courts in the land, but for Start-Rite Day Secondary School students, this was more than just a visit, it was an experience that left them inspired and in awe of the legal world.
“Following the eye-opening lecture on the inner workings, hierarchy of courts and the technicalities of legal proceedings at the Court of Appeal, the Deputy Chief Court Registrar, Josephine Ekperobe, expressed how impressed she was, not just by the students’ presence, but by the depth of their curiosity, intelligence and articulation.
“She averred that the students asked questions that could have easily come from budding lawyers.
“Beyond the interactive sessions, the highlight of the day was meeting Honourable Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, CFR, President of the Court of Appeal. Engaging with such a distinguished figure gave the students a real glimpse into the world of law at the highest levels. They listened intently as she shared her journey, the challenges of upholding justice, and the weighty responsibility that comes with wielding the gavel. She encouraged them to pursue excellence, see the law as a tool for positive change, and never compromise on integrity.
“For some students, the visit was personal. Zainab Ilyasu, who aspires to be a lawyer, found the session particularly inspiring. She spoke about learning the different levels of court and the significance of the ‘Three Wise Men’ in legal decisions.
“For Damilola Adesoro, the experience was not just insightful, it was fun. He enthused, ‘I learned a lot, and it was an amazing experience overall’.”
The statement added that “this visit was more than just a tour, it was a spark. The courtroom is no longer just an abstract idea to these students; it is now a space they can see themselves in. And just as Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, OFR, CON, SAN, Chairman of Start-Rite Schools Advisory Board, has played a pivotal role in shaping the legal profession in Nigeria, having recently marked 20 years as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, it is only a matter of time before some of these students are recognised as legal minds shaping the future of Nigeria’s judiciary.
“For Start-Rite Schools, the visit to the Court of Appeal is just one of the many ways the school ensures students are ready to lead, serve, and excel in an ever-evolving world. With a commitment to best practices, the school ensures that students are exposed to real-world experiences, igniting their curiosity, broadening their perspectives, and equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their dreams.”
