UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

LL.M AND Ph.D PROGRAMMES

FACULTY OF LAW

2017
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UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

FACULTY OF LAW
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC LAW

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES (LL.M AND Ph.D)

1.1PHILOSOPHY, OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE

The general LL.B programmes in Law and the Law School training qualify students as
general legal practitioners. LL.M and Ph. D programmes, on the other hand, enable students
to qualify as specialist in specific areas of Law. The postgraduate programmes of the
Department of Public Law are designed to offer specialist training to student in various areas
of Public Law.
The programmes, thus aim to bring about a critical mass of knowledge and specialisation in
specific areas of Law. It will also lead to improvedskill and competence as well as
inculcating evidence based knowledge through legal research methods in resolving legal
issues/challenges.
The postgraduate programmes of the Department of Public Law cover the following areas of
specialisation: Administrative Law, Comparative Constitutional Law, Human Rights Law,
Health Law and Policy, Humanitarian Law and Advanced Criminal Law.

1.2EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The programmes will produce specialist Law graduates who will serve as legal experts in
various areas at national, regional and international levels. Graduates of the programmes have
good prospects of employment in both the public and private sector (either salaried or self-
employment. In the public sector, they can serve the federal and state governments and their
ministries, departments and agencies in various capacities. They can also serve in national,
regional and international organisations requiring specialised skills. In the private sector,
they can be employed as legal advisers and consultants to organisations, companies and other
establishments.
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1.3 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

(a) Master of Laws (LL.M) in Public Law

The following shall qualify for admission into the Master of Laws (LL.M) Programme in
Public Law: graduates of the University of Nigeria or of other recognised universities who
have obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Laws (LL.B) with at least a second class honours
(lower division) with CGPA of not less than 3.0 on a 5-point scale.

(b) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Public Law

The following shall qualify for admission into the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Programme
in Public Law: graduates of the University of Nigeria or of other recognized universities with
a good Master’s Degree in Laws (LL.M), with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5-point scale or
3.0 on a 4-point scale or 60% or a B grade and Project score not lower than 60% (B).

1.4 DURATION OF PROGRAMMES

(a) Master of Laws (LL.M) in PublicLaw

(i) Full-time: A minimum of three (3) semesters and a maximum of six (6) semesters.
(ii) Part-time: A minimum of five (5) semesters and a maximum of eight (8) semesters.

(b) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Public Law

(i) Full-time: A minimum of six (6) semesters and a maximum of ten (10) semesters.
(ii) Part-time: A minimum of eight (8) semesters and a maximum of twelve (12)
semesters.

1.5 COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

A Student must have fulfilled, in addition to other University requirements, the following
conditions to be awarded:

(a) Master of Laws (LL.M) Degree in Public Law

To be awarded the Master of Laws (LL.M) degreein Public Law, a student must have
registered and passed a minimum of 33 credit units of both compulsory and elective courses
as follows:
Compulsory courses - 6 units
Elective courses - 18 units
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Seminar - 3 units
Project - 6 units
33 units

(b) Doctor of Philosophy in Law (Ph.D)

To be awarded the Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD) degreein Public Law, a student must
have registered and passed a minimum of 36 credit units of both compulsory and elective
courses as follows:

Course Work (Both Compulsory and Elective) - 15 units

Compulsory Paper Presentations - 6 units
PhD Thesis Seminar - 3 units
Thesis - 12 units
36 units

2. CURRICULUM SPECIFICATION TABLE

2.1 Master of Laws (LL.M) in PublicLaw
FIRST SEMESTER
1 Compulsory course - 3 units
2 Courses from Core Area - 6 units
1 Elective course from Alternate Area - 3 units
12 units
SECOND SEMESTER
1 Compulsory course - 3 units
2 Courses from Core Area - 6 units
1 Elective course from Alternate Area - 3 units
12 units
THIRD SEMESTER
Seminar - 3 units
Project - 6 units
9 units
2.2 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in PublicLaw
(i) First Year

FIRST SEMESTER
1 Compulsory course - 3 units
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2 Courses (1from Core Area, 1 from alternate area) - 6 units

9 units

SECOND SEMESTER
2 Courses (1from Core Area, 1 from alternate area) - 6 units

(ii) Second Year

FIRST SEMESTER
Research Proposal - 3 units

SECOND SEMESTER
Book and/or Journal Article Presentation - 3 units

(iii) Third Year

FIRST SEMESTER
Ph.D Seminar - 3 units

SECOND SEMESTER
Ph.D Thesis Defence - 12 units

3. STRESS AREAS/AREAS OF SPECIALISATION

0Fundamentals (Research Methodology, Legal Research Writing, Research Proposal,
Synopsis/Grant Writing)
1 Administrative Law
2 Comparative Constitutional Law
3 Human Rights Law
4 Health Law and Policy
5 Humanitarian Law
6 Advanced Criminal Law
8 Seminar
9 Thesis

4. COURSES FOR MASTER OF LAWS (LL.M) IN PUBLICLAW

FIRST SEMESTER
S/N COURSE CREDIT
CODE COURSE TITLE UNITS
COMPULSORY COURSE
1 PGC 601 ICT and Research Methodology 3 Units
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THREE ELECTIVES COURSES

(TWO FROM STUDENT’S CORE AREA, ONE FROM NON-CORE AREA)
2 PUL611 Administrative Law I 3 Units
3 PUL 613 Law of Legislative Institutions I 3 Units
4 PUL 621 Comparative Constitutional Law I 3 Units
5 PUL 623 Constitutional Behaviour I 3 Units
6 PUL 631 Human Rights Law I 3 Units
7 PUL 641 Health Law and Policy I 3 Units
8 PUL 651 Humanitarian Law I 3 Units
9 PUL 661 Advanced Criminal Law I 3 Units

TOTAL (4 courses) 9 Units

SECOND SEMESTER
S/N COURSE CREDIT
CODE COURSE TITLE UNITS
COMPULSORY COURSES
1 LAW 602 Legal Research Writing 3 Units

THREE ELECTIVES COURSES

(TWO FROM STUDENT’S CORE AREA, ONE FROM NON-CORE AREA)
2 PUL 612 Administrative Law II 3 Units
3 PUL 614 Law of Legislative Institutions II 3 Units
4 PUL 622 Comparative Constitutional Law II 3 Units
5 PUL 624 Constitutional Behaviour II 3 Units
6 PUL 632 Human Rights Law II 3 Units
7 PUL 642 Health Law and Policy II 3 Units
8 PUL 652 Humanitarian Law II 3 Units
9 PUL 662 Advanced Criminal Law II 3 Units

TOTAL (4 courses) 9 Units

THIRD SEMESTER
1 PUL 681 Seminar inPublicLaw 3 Units
2 PUL 691 Project 6 Units

TOTAL (Seminar and Project) 9 Units

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5. COURSES FOR PhD IN PUBLICLAW

(i) First Year

FIRST SEMESTER
S/N COURSE CREDIT
CODE COURSE TITLE UNITS
COMPULSORY COURSE
1 PGC 701 Synopsis and Research Grant Writing 3 Units

TWO ELECTIVE COURSES

( ONE FROM CORE AREA, ONE FROM NON-CORE AREA)
2 PUL 711 Advanced Seminar in Administrative LawI 3 Units
3 PUL 721 Advanced Seminar in Comparative Constitutional Law I 3 Units
4 PUL 731 Advanced Seminar in Human Rights LawI 3 Units
5 PUL 741 Advanced Seminar inHealth Law and PolicyI 3 Units
6 PUL 751 Advanced Seminar in Humanitarian Law I 3 Units
7 PUL 761 Advanced Seminar inCriminal LawI 3 Units

TOTAL (3 courses) 9 Units

SECOND SEMESTER
S/N COURSE CREDIT
CODE COURSE TITLE UNITS

TWO ELECTIVE COURSES

( ONE FROM CORE AREA, ONE FROM NON-CORE AREA)
1 PUL 712 Advanced Seminar in Administrative LawII 3 Units
2 PUL 722 Advanced Seminar in Comparative Constitutional Law II 3 Units
3 PUL 732 Advanced Seminar in Human Rights LawII 3 Units
4 PUL 742 Advanced Seminar inHealth Law and PolicyII 3 Units
5 PUL 752 Advanced Seminar in Humanitarian Law II 3 Units
6 PUL 762 Advanced Seminar in Criminal Law II 3 Units

TOTAL 6 Units

(ii) Second Year

FIRST SEMESTER
S/N COURSE CREDIT
CODE COURSE TITLE UNITS
COMPULSORY COURSE
1 PUL 781 Research Proposal 3 Units
TOTAL 3 Units
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SECOND SEMESTER
S/N COURSE CREDIT
CODE COURSE TITLE UNITS
COMPULSORY COURSE
2 PUL 782 Books and/or Journal Article Presentation 3 Units

TOTAL 3 Units

(ii) Third Year

FIRST SEMESTER
S/N COURSE CREDIT
CODE COURSE TITLE UNITS
COMPULSORY COURSE
3 PUL 783 PhD Thesis Seminar 3 Units

TOTAL 3 Units

SECOND SEMESTER
S/N COURSE CREDIT
CODE COURSE TITLE UNITS
COMPULSORY COURSE
4 PUL 790 PhD Thesis 12 Units

TOTAL 12 Units

6. DESCRIPTION OF COURSES FOR MASTER OF LAWS (LL.M) PROGRAMME

PGC 601: ICT and Research Methodology (3 units)
Legal Research and Academic Writing: forms and skills required. Components of Legal
Research: Proposal, Abstract, Introduction/Background, Statement of Problem, Research
Questions, Objectives, Methodology, Literature Review, Body of the Work, Summary of
Findings, Recommendations, Conclusions. Research Structure or Organisation: chapters and
sections and sub-sections; Work Plan; Referencing and Citation in Legal Research/Academic
Writing; Online Resources for legal materials.

LAW 602: Legal Research Writing (3 units)

Documentation and Presentation

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PUL 611 Administrative Law I (3 Units)

This course aims to equip students with advanced knowledge of theories and doctrines of
administrative law. Topics to be studied include, but not limited to, Nature, Definition and
Scope of Administrative Law; Fundamental Principles and Doctrines in Administrative Law;
The Administration and Administrative Agencies; Delegated Legislation and Exercise of
legislative powers by the Administration; Administrative Functions; Tribunals and Inquiries;
and so forth. Students’ assessment is based on a term paper (30%) and written examination
(70%).

PUL 612 Administrative Law II (3 Units)

This course aims to equip students with advanced knowledge of theories and doctrines of
administrative law. Topics to be studied include, but not limited to, Judicial Review and
Control of Governmental Powers; Remedies – the Ombudsman, Prerogative Remedies,
Common Law Remedies, Equitable Remedies; Actions by and against the State – Public
Officers protection, pre-Action Notice; and so forth. Students’ assessment is based on a term
paper (30%) and written examination (70%).

PUL 623 Law of Legislative Institutions I

This course aims to equip students with advanced knowledge of legal theories and doctrines
governing Legislative Institutions. Theory of Separation of powers, structure, qualification
and composition of Nigerian legislatures, division of legislative powers, legislative
independence, powers of the legislature, rules for conduct of legislative business; principal
officers of the legislative houses and their functions, legislative capacity building, units and
departments in the legislature and so [Link]’ assessment is based on a term paper
(30%) and written examination (70%).

PUL 624 Law of Legislative Institutions II

This course aims to equip students with advanced knowledge of legal theories and doctrines
governing Legislative Institutions. Topics to be covered include bills drafting, bills analysis
and scrutiny, legislative process, the committee system, statutory interpretation, special
legislative processes and so [Link]’ assessment is based on a term paper (30%) and
written examination (70%).
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PUL 621 Comparative Constitutional Law I (3 Units)

The first semester of the course introduces the students to foundational doctrines and
principles in Comparative Constitutional Law. Topics to be covered include assessment of
the Constitution – its nature, scope and sources; Constitution – a legal or political charter?;
Nature of Comparative Study of Constitutions: Meaning and Merits of Comparative Study; A
Comparative study of the structure and powers as well as limitations of the Legislature in
Presidential and Parliamentary systems of Government – democracies, autocracies;
communist and capitalist forms of government; Monarchies, Theocracies and Military
regimes; The Concept of Sovereignty of Parliamentary in written and unwritten
Constitutions; Sovereignty – limitations & divisibility; The Austinian concept of Sovereignty
in relation to constitutional dynamics of Legislative, Executive and Judicial arms of
government; Sovereignty in a federal as opposed to the unitary form of government;
Comparative study of constitutional provisions in Nigeria, Canada, America and India with
particular reference to the legislative, executive and judicial arms of government for their
similarities and differences and so forth. Students’ assessment is based on a term paper (30%)
and written examination (70%).

PUL 622 Comparative Constitutional Law II (3 Units)

Topics to be covered in the second semester includeComparative study of the structure,
powers and limitations of the Executivebranch of government in Parliamentary and
Presidential systems of government – democracies, autocracies, communist and capitalist
institutions of government; monarchies, theocracies, military regimes, et al; A comparative
study of the structure and functions of the Judiciary in Presidential and Parliamentary systems
of government in both democratic and autocratic dispensations; How the Judiciary
contributes to the substance of politics in Nigeria and other jurisdictions; Judicial Activism,
financial autonomy and separation of powers in various jurisdictions and their effect on the
stream of Justice and Justice Delivery; The Judiciary in Relation to the Executive and
Legislative Powers; Why democratic form of government has succeeded in many countries of
the world but has failed in others despite the operation of constitutional charters in almost all
countries of the world; Constitution-making procedure in these countries and the ultimate
effect on the substance of the constitution; Need for strong democratic institutions of
government as opposed to “strong man” in government; Change of Government by extra-
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constitutional means: The Doctrine of Necessity and the Legal Theory of Revolution; The
Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy; and, so forth. Students’
assessment is based on a term paper (30%) and written examination (70%).

PUL 623 Constitutional Behaviour I

This course aims to equip students with advanced knowledge of legal theories and doctrines
underpinning Constitutional Behaviour. Topics to be covered includefactors that influence
constitutional behaviour (i.e. constitutional culture, cognitive level, economy, strong
democratic institutions, civil society), tenets of democracy, constitutionalism, judicial
approach to constitutional interpretation, the impact of intra/inter party conflicts on the
constitution. Students’ assessment is based on a term paper (30%) and written examination
(70%).

PUL 624 Constitutional Behaviour II

This course aims to equip students with advanced knowledge of legal theories and doctrines
underpinning Constitutional Behaviour. Topics to be covered includelaw, politics and
economy in Nigeria, executive/legislature relations, constitution making and constitutional
amendments, impeachment process, electoral process and the [Link]’ assessment is
based on a term paper (30%) and written examination (70%).

PUL 631 Human Rights Law I (3 Units)

This course aims to equip students with advanced knowledge of theories and doctrines of
international human rights law as well as their interface with State practice. A cardinal
feature of the course is its merger of mainstream scholarship with African concept of human
rights. Students are exposed to the impact of African cosmology on someof the subjects to be
covered in the course. Topics to be studied include, but not limited to, philosophy of human
rights, major international human rights instruments, regional systems of protecting human
rights, international human rights organizations, non-discrimination under international
human rights law, minority rights and self-determination, and so forth. Students’ assessment
is based on a term paper (30%) and written examination (70%).
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PUL 632 Human Rights Law II (3 Units)

This course follows the same pattern as Human Rights Law I. Topics to be covered include
domestic application of human rights norms, international protection of the rights of the
child, women’s human rights, right to health and access to health care, implementation of law
and policy in reproductive health and rights, international non-governmental organizations,
human rights and development: a human right to development, freedom from poverty as a
human right, right to food, international humanitarian law,state securityofficialsand human
rights enforcement, sanctions and other means of enforcement of human rights, and so
[Link]’ assessment is based on a term paper (30%) and written examination (70%).

PUL 641 Health Law and Policy I (3 Units)

Though often confused with “medical law and ethics” or “medical jurisprudence,” the field of
Health Law and Policy is broader and encompasses more subjects than the previous two. The
first semester of the course focuses Introduction to Health Law and Policy; Health Care
Organization; Health Care Financing; Legal and Policy Framework Governing Health Care
Delivery; The Right to Health; Regulation of Health Care Practice; Public Health Law; and
so forth. Assessment will be based on individual term papers (30%) and written examination
(70%).

PUL 642 Health Law and Policy II (3 Units)

Taking a leap from the introductory topics of the first semester the second semester deals
with core subjects of clinical practice including, inter alia, Ethics and Medicine; Medical
Negligence; Consent to Medical Treatment; Confidentiality of Medical Information; Children
and Health Care; Reproductive Health; Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide; Organ Donation and
Transplantation; Health Research Governance; and so forth. Students’ assessment will be
based on a term paper (30%) and written examination (70%).

PUL 651 Humanitarian Law I (3 Units)

The first semester will focus on historical, sociological and ethical dimensions of
humanitarian law; the law of Armed conflict and Humanitarian law; Formative factors –
types and forms of laws of war; the principle of self-defence – legal and illegal uses of
force; war and state of war/ legal effects of war; Armed conflict and other wars – the law
 12

of land warfare, Geneva Convention of 1949; the United Nations force – chemical,
biological and nuclear weapons; the law of air warfare – object and scope, nuclear weapons
and aerial bombardments, recent developments; the law of belligerent occupation; the
protection of personal and property rights; and so [Link]’ assessment is based on a
term paper (30%) and written examination (70%).

PUL 652 Humanitarian Law II (3 Units)

Topics to be covered in the second semester include international responsibility in times of

war (the evolution of jurisdiction over war crimes and crimes against humanity); the law of
neutrality (history and basic rules, neutral nationals and property in land, sea and air
warfare, and belligerent reprisals and neutrals; internal armed conflicts – the relativity of
international armed conflicts, the Geneva Convention of 1949 and internal armed
conflicts; termination of armed conflict – the relativity of war and peace, ceasefire agreement
and armistice, peace treaties (functions, legal effects, characteristics and interpretation, war
indemnities, reparation and restitution); and so forth. Students’ assessment is based on a term
paper (30%) and written examination (70%).

PUL 661 Advanced Criminal Law I (3 Units)

The first semester of the courseis an exploration of the various developments in International
Criminal Law particularly critical aspects of Special Crimes such as Advanced Fee Fraud,
Money Laundering, Law of Collective Security Mechanisms, Terrorism &Counter Terrorism
Law, Piracy and other aspects of trans-border crimes and how these can be applied in
[Link]’ assessment is based on a term paper (30%) and written examination (70%).

PUL 662 Advanced Criminal Law II (3 Units)

The second semester of Advanced Criminal Law focuses on the various developments in
Criminal Law particularly in areas of Telecommunications Law, Information Communication
Technology (ICT) Law, Cyber Security and other aspects of Cybercrimes and how these can
be applied in Nigeria. Students’ assessment is based on a term paper (30%) and written
examination (70%).
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PUL 681: Seminar in Public Law from the Master’s Project Report (3 Units)
The seminar should be based on the report from student’s project. The introductions should
reflect the background study of student’s research work. Literature review should highlight
the previous related works in the area of the study. The sources, theory and method of data
analysis must be fully explored. The analysis should be critically carried, followed by the
discussion of findings. These are to be followed by recommendation/s for future work,
conclusion and references listed appropriately in the bibliography.

PUL 691: Research Project (6 units)

Students will carry out project work from any field within their area of specialisation. The
project shall an in-depth study that demonstrates their skill in research, writing and analysis.
This requires the conduct of an original empirical study and preparation of a report thereon,
the topic having been approved and supervised a Lecturer whose qualifications are not below
the PhD degree in Law and must have been appointed a Supervisor by the School of
Postgraduate Studies and approved by the Senate. A formal project report will be required to
be submitted to the Department by the student. Such a project shall be sent to an External
Examiner who must have been nominated by the Department and appointed by Senate for
that purpose. The External Examiner must be knowledgeable in the specific area of
specialisation within the Department. Each student is required to make an oral presentation
before the appointed External Examiner.

7. DESCRIPTION OF COURSES FOR Ph.D PROGRAMME IN PUBLICLAW

PGC 701: Synopsis and Grant Writing (3 Units)

This course explicates the nature, mechanics and requirements of original academic research
at the doctoral level. Fundamental aspects such as the conduct of literature review and its
documentation as well as its relationship to the formulation of a thesis and other elements of
sound research protocol receive detailed attention. These elements are antecedent to the
synopsis and academic grant-writing, both of which are ultimately meaningful only if the
underlying substantive research is original and has been properly conceived. The synopsis
and academic research grant writing thus receive attention as important areas where students
must manifest a strong grasp of the fundamentals in order to succeed both as doctoral
candidates and, in the future, as independent researchers.
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In relation to synopsis and grants, the course in detailed terms involves the following: the
study of various grant application structures and contents and the writing of concept notes,
detailed project descriptions, budgeting and budget defence, the study of sample grant
documents in various forms, the writing of mock research and other grants, the study of
University of Nigeria’s synopsis structure and requirements, determination of the contents of
each sub-unit of the synopsis, steps in extracting the synopsis from the dissertation/thesis
document, structural and language issues, common errors in synopsis writing and strategies
for avoiding them, the preparation of mock synopses.

Advanced Seminar Series:

These are seminars to be presented by the student in the first year of the programme. For each
semester of the year, the student is required to present two seminars, one seminar from
his/her core area of specialisation and the other from any of the alternative areas of
specialisation within the Department. These serve to ground the student in legal research
writing. At the end of each seminar presentation, the student should be informed if he/she
was successful, and a student should not proceed to the next stage of the programme until
he/she has successfully presented the four seminars.

PUL 711 Advanced Seminar in Administrative Law I (3 units)

This is a course seminar presentation in the field of Administrative Law. Students should
explore the Nature, Definition and Scope of Administrative Law; Fundamental Principles and
Doctrines in Administrative Law; Administration and Administrative Agencies; Delegated
Legislation and Exercise of legislative powers by the Administration; Administrative
Functions; Tribunals and Inquiries; and so forth. The presentation is to be in form of term
paper (2) and submitted for grading. In addition, the student is expected to present the write
ups as seminar papers before the Departmental Postgraduate Committee for further
assessment.

PUL 712 Advanced Seminar in Administrative Law I1 (3 units)

This is a course seminar presentation in the field of Administrative Law. Students should
explore the Judicial Review and Control of Governmental Powers; Remedies – the
Ombudsman, Prerogative Remedies, Common Law Remedies, Equitable Remedies; Actions
 15

by and against the State – Public Officers protection, pre-Action Notice; and other core
topics. The presentation is to be in form of term paper (2) and submitted for grading. In
addition, the student is expected to present the write ups as seminar papers before the
Departmental Postgraduate Committee for further assessment.

PUL 721 Advanced Seminar in Comparative Constitutional Law I (3 units)

This is a course seminar presentationin Comparative Constitutional Law. Students should
explore the foundational doctrines and principles in Comparative Constitutional Law. Topics
to be covered include assessment of the Constitution – its nature, scope and sources;
Constitution – a legal or political charter?; Nature of Comparative Study of Constitutions:
Meaning and Merits of Comparative Study; A Comparative study of the structure and powers
as well as limitations of the Legislature in Presidential and Parliamentary systems of
Government – democracies, autocracies; communist and capitalist forms of government;
Monarchies, Theocracies and Military regimes; The Concept of Sovereignty of Parliamentary
in written and unwritten Constitutions; Sovereignty – limitations & divisibility; The
Austinian concept of Sovereignty in relation to constitutional dynamics of Legislative,
Executive and Judicial arms of government; Sovereignty in a federal as opposed to the
unitary form of government; Comparative study of constitutional provisions in Nigeria,
Canada, America and India with particular reference to the legislative, executive and judicial
arms of government for their similarities and differences and so forth. The presentation is to
be in form of term paper (2) and submitted for grading. In addition, the student is expected to
present the write ups as seminar papers before the Departmental Postgraduate Committee for
further assessment.

PUL 722 Advanced Seminar in Comparative Constitutional Law II (3 units)

This is a course seminar presentationin Comparative Constitutional Law. Students should
explore theComparative study of the structure, powers and limitations of the Executive
branch of government in Parliamentary and Presidential systems of government –
democracies, autocracies, communist and capitalist institutions of government; monarchies,
theocracies, military regimes, et al; A comparative study of the structure and functions of the
Judiciary in Presidential and Parliamentary systems of government in both democratic and
autocratic dispensations; How the Judiciary contributes to the substance of politics in Nigeria
and other jurisdictions; Judicial Activism, financial autonomy and separation of powers in
various jurisdictions and their effect on the stream of Justice and Justice Delivery; The
 16

Judiciary in Relation to the Executive and Legislative Powers; Why democratic form of
government has succeeded in many countries of the world but has failed in others despite the
operation of constitutional charters in almost all countries of the world; Constitution-making
procedure in these countries and the ultimate effect on the substance of the constitution; Need
for strong democratic institutions of government as opposed to “strong man” in government;
Change of Government by extra-constitutional means: The Doctrine of Necessity and the
Legal Theory of Revolution; The Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State
Policy; and, so forth. The presentation is to be in form of term paper (2) and submitted for
grading. In addition, the student is expected to present the write ups as seminar papers before
the Departmental Postgraduate Committee for further assessment.

PUL 731 Advanced Seminar in Human Rights Law I (3 units)

This is a course seminar presentation in the field of Human Rights Law. Students should
explore the various developments in Human Rights; International Bill of Rights; Major
instruments on Human Rights, Human Rights Organizations; Regional Systems of Human
Rights Protection; Non-Discrimination in International Human Rights Law; Minority Rights
and Self Determination; Fundamental Rights in their Economic, Social and Cultural Context;
Migration and Refugees Law; and so [Link] presentation is to be inform of term paper (2)
and submitted for grading. In addition, the student is expected to present the write ups as
seminar papers before the Departmental Postgraduate Committee for further assessment.

PUL 732 Advanced Seminar in Human Rights Law II (3 units)

This is a course seminar presentation in the field of Human Rights Law. Students should
explore the various developments in Human Rights with particularly reference to Domestic
Application of Human Rights Norms; Protection of the Rights of the Child; Women’s Human
Rights; Right to Health and Access to Healthcare; Implementation of Law & Policy in
Reproductive Health and Rights; Non- Governmental Organizations; Human Rights and
Development; Poverty; Right to Food; Humanitarian Law; Human Rights: Law Enforcement
and State Security; Enforcements of Human Rights: Sanctions, Humanitarian Intervention,
Criminalization of Human Rights Violations; Rules of Engagement and Protections of
Victims of War. The presentation is to be in form of term paper (2) and submitted for
grading. In addition, the student is expected to present the write ups as seminar papers before
the Departmental Postgraduate Committee for further assessment.
 17

PUL 741 Advanced Seminar in Health Law and Policy I (3 units)

This is a course seminar presentation in Health Law and Policy. Students should explore the
Philosophical underpinning of Health Law and Policy; Health Care Organization; Health
Care Financing; Legal and Policy Framework Governing Health Care Delivery; The Right to
Health Regulation of Health Care Practice; Public Health Law; and so forth. The presentation
is to be in form of term paper (2) and submitted for grading. In addition, the student is
expected to present the write ups as seminar papers before the Departmental Postgraduate
Committee for further assessment.

PUL 742 Advanced Seminar in Health Law and Policy II (3 units)

This is a course seminar presentation in Health Law and Policy. Students should explore the
Interface between Ethics and Medicine; Medical Negligence; Consent to Medical Treatment;
Confidentiality of Medical Information; Children and Health Care; Reproductive Health;
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide; Organ Donation and Transplantation; Health Research
Governance; and so forth. The presentation is to be in form of term paper (2) and submitted
for grading. In addition, the student is expected to present the write ups as seminar papers
before the Departmental Postgraduate Committee for further assessment.

PUL 751 Seminar in Humanitarian Law I (3 Units)

This is a course seminar presentation in Humanitarian Law. Students may focus on historical,
sociological and ethical dimensions of humanitarian law; the law of Armed conflict
and Humanitarian law; Formative factors – types and forms of laws of war; the principle of
self-defence – legal and illegal uses of force; war and state of war/ legal effects of war;
Armed conflict and other wars – the law of land warfare, Geneva Convention of 1949; the
United Nations force – chemical, biological and nuclear weapons; the law of air warfare –
object and scope, nuclear weapons and aerial bombardments, recent developments; the law
of belligerent occupation; the protection of personal and property rights; and so forth. The
presentation is to be in form of term paper (2) and submitted for grading. In addition, the
student is expected to present the write ups as seminar papers before the Departmental
Postgraduate Committee for further assessment.
 18

PUL 752 Seminar in Humanitarian Law II (3 Units)

This is a course seminar presentation in Humanitarian [Link] may focus on

international responsibility in times of war (the evolution of jurisdiction over war crimes and
crimes against humanity); the law of neutrality (history and basic rules, neutral nationals and
property in land, sea and air warfare, and belligerent reprisals and neutrals; internal armed
conflicts – the relativity of international armed conflicts, the Geneva Convention of 1949 and
internal armed conflicts; termination of armed conflict – the relativity of war and peace,
ceasefire agreement and armistice, peace treaties (functions, legal effects, characteristics and
interpretation, war indemnities, reparation and restitution); and so forth. The presentation is
to be in form of term paper (2) and submitted for grading. In addition, the student is expected
to present the write ups as seminar papers before the Departmental Postgraduate Committee
for further assessment.

PUL 761 Seminar in Advanced Criminal Law I (3 units)

This is a course seminar presentation in the field of Criminal Law. Students should explore
the various developments in International Criminal Law particularly aspects of Special
crimes such as Advanced fee fraud, Money laundering; Law of Collective Security
Mechanisms; Terrorism & Counter Terrorism Law; Piracy and other aspects of trans-border
crimes and how these can be applied in Nigeria. The presentation is to be in form of term
paper (2) and submitted for grading. In addition, the student is expected to present the write
ups as seminar papers before the Departmental Postgraduate Committee for further
assessment.

PUL 762 Seminar in Advanced Criminal Law II (3 units)

This is a course seminar presentation in the field of Criminal Law. Students should explore
the various developments in Criminal Law particularly in areas of Telecommunications Law;
Information Communication Technology (ICT) Law; Cyber Security and other aspects of
Cybercrimes and how these can be applied in Nigeria; and so forth. The presentation is to be i
nform of term paper (2) and submitted for grading. In addition, the student is expected to
present the write ups as seminar papers before the Departmental Postgraduate Committee for
further assessment.
 19

PUL 781: Research Proposal (3 units)

This presentation serves as the of the student’s research work. It must be in the student’s area
of specialisation. It is at the end of this presentation, that the student is expected to know if
she or he will continue with the proposed research project.

PUL 783: Books Review/Journal Article Presentation (3 units)

The purpose of this presentation is to equip doctoral students with the necessary skills for
writing publishable book reviews and journal articles in their areas of specialisation. To be
successful, a student’s presentation must be of high standard and adjudged suitable for
publication in highly reputable journals by his/her Supervisor and majority of the members of
the Departmental Postgraduate Committee.

PUL 782: Ph.D Seminar (3 units)

This is a seminar presentation at the end of research work before the final defence. This is the
final presentation, reporting the results, findings, deductions, conclusion and
recommendations from the student’s work. If the student is successful he or she then submits
his/her synopsis and prepares for his or her final Thesis defence.

PUL 790: Thesis (12 units)

This is the report of the student’s research and must be prepared in the prescribed
specifications. The research should address contemporary legal issues/challenges of national
and/or international importance and proffer workable solutions to such issues/challenges.
The student shall undergo oral examination on his/her Thesis before an examination panel
comprising an External and Internal Examiners and other persons as prescribed by the
University. No students should undergo oral examination unless such a student has
successfully passed the prescribed courses/seminars/presentations.
 20

8. LIST OF APPROVED POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISORS

(a) Approved Supervisors based in the Department

S/N Name of Lecturer Academic/Profession Area/s of Remarks

& Rank al Qualifications Specialization &
Research Interest
1 Prof. Joy N. Ezeilo LL. B (Nig.), B.L, (i) Human Rights Department of
(Professor) LL.M (Lond.), Law. Public Law
PhD (Nig.), (ii) Reproductive
Dip. (UPPSALA) Rights.
(iii) Criminal Law
2 Dr. Obiajulu LL. B (Awka), B.L, (i) Human Rights Department of
Nnamuchi LL.M (Notre Dame), Law Public Law
(SeniorLecturer) LL.M (Toronto), (ii) Medicine & Law
LL.M (Lund), (iii) Health Law&
M.A. (Louisville), Policy
S.J.D (Loyola, (iv) Bioethics&
Chicago) Medical Humanities

(b) ApprovedSupervisors Available from Cognate Departments

S/N Name of Lecturer Academic/Profession Area/s of Remarks
& Rank al Qualifications Specialization &
Research Interest
1 Prof. Ifeoma P. LL.B (Nig.), B.L, (i) Humanitarian Department of
Enemo (Professor) LL.M (Lagos), Law, International &
PhD (Nig.) (ii) Law of Comparative
International Law
Institutions
(iii) Environmental
Law
(iv) Law of Treaties
2 Dr. Miriam C. LL.B (ABU), B.L, Constitutional Law Department of
Anozie(Reader ) LL.M (ABU), Jurisprudence &
PhD (Nig.) Legal Theory
3 Dr. Emmanuel. U. LL.B, (Nig.), B.L, (i) Environmental Department of
Onyeabor LL.M (Nig.), Law International &
(Senior Lecturer) PhD (Nig.), (ii) Climate Change Comparative
B. Ed (Geog.) Law Law
(UNIPORT), (iii) Environmental
[Link]. Rights.
([Link].)(ESUT), (iv) Law &
[Link]. (Dev. Plan.) Development
(UNIPORT)
 21

4 Dr Godwin Onuoha LL.B, B.L, Constitutional Law Department of

(Lecturer 1) LL.M, Comparative Customary Law
PhD (Nig.) Constitutional Law
5 [Link] LL. B (ESUT), B.L Intellectual Property Department of
thy Umahi(Lecturer LL.M (LASU), Law, Private Law
1) LL.M (Manchester), Health law bothering
PhD (Manchester), on Intellectual
B.L., Property,
[Link]. (Ed/Geog.) ICT Law,
(Nig.), International
[Link]. (Mkt.) (Nig.) Maritime Law,
Research
Methodology
6 Dr [Link] LL. B (ESUT), B.L Public Law Department of
(Lecturer 1) LL.M (Osgodo), bothering on Property Law
PhD (Osgode), Taxation
7 Dr. Matthew C. LL.B (Okada), B.L, (i) International Law Department of
Nwankwo LL.M (Brunel, UK), (ii) African Union International &
(Lecturer 1) PhD (Brunel, UK) Law Comparative
(iii) International Law
Human Rights Law

(c) Qualified but awaiting approval

S/N Name of Lecturer & Academic/Professional Area/s of Remarks
Rank Qualifications Specialization
& Research
Interest
1 Dr Chidi Lloyds LL. B (RSUST), (i) Humanitarian Department of
(Lecturer 1) B.L, Law, Public Law
LL.M (RSUST), (ii) Law of
PhD (Calabar) International
Institutions
(iii)
Environmental
Law
(iv) Law of
Treaties
2 Dr. Sylvester N. Anya, LL. B (Nig.), B.L Criminal Law Department of
(Lecturer 1) LL.M (Nig.), International &
PhD (Nig.) Comparative
Law