BRIEF PROFILE OF PROFESSOR UWAKWE ABUGU
Professor Uwakwe Abugu is the Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Abuja.
Born in Enugu Ezike, Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Professor Abugu had his primary education at Amachalla Central School, Enugu Ezike, before proceeding to Teacher Training College, Iwollo, Enugu, where he obtained his Teachers’ Grade II Certificate in 1985. He graduated as the Best Overall Student, earning four Distinctions and five Credits.
He subsequently gained admission to the University of Calabar, where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Degree with Second Class Honours (Upper Division). During his undergraduate studies, he won seven academic prizes, including the University of Calabar Scholarship Award for Outstanding Academic Performance in 1992.
Professor Abugu attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1995 after emerging as the Best Graduating Student in Civil Procedure and Criminal Procedure.
He later obtained his Master of Laws (LL.M) Degree from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1999 and earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law from the University of Abuja in 2015.
He began his academic career at the University of Ilorin in 1996 shortly after completing his National Youth Service at Bayo Ojo & Co. (Legal Practitioners). In 2005, he transferred to the University of Abuja as a Senior Lecturer and rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Law in 2018.
Over the years, Professor Abugu has held several notable leadership positions, including:
– Vice Chancellor, Ave Maria University, Piyanko, Nasarawa State (2022);
– Director, Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies, University of Abuja (2014–2018);
– Special Assistant to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (2007);
– President General, Enugu State Indigenes Association, Ilorin (2001–2005); and
– Chairman, Ogbako Umunne, University of Abuja (2017–2023).
A prolific scholar, Professor Abugu has published extensively in both local and international learned journals. He is also the author of several notable books, including:
– Principles of Medical Law and Ethics (2018);
– Land Use and Reform in Nigeria: Law and Practice (2012); and
– Principles of the Land Use Act 1978 (2008).
Beyond academia, Professor Abugu has continued to provide leadership in professional and institutional circles. He currently serves as:
– Director General, Institute of Medical and Health Law;
– President, Lifeline Centre for Medical and Health Rights Advocacy;
– Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration;
– Member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA);
– Member, Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT); and
– Associate, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.
Professor Uwakwe Abugu is happily married to his learned friend, Barr. Nkechi Uwakwe-Abugu, and they are blessed with two children, Nmachinemelum and Jidechukwu.
