Chief Justice happy with quality of ILPD graduates

NYANZA – The Chief Justice, Prof. Sam Rugege, has commended the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), for its contribution in the development of the justice sector in the country.

Thursday, January 19, 2012
Rugege (3rd R) with ILPD staff members and new students in a group photo on Tuesday. The New Times / File

NYANZA – The Chief Justice, Prof. Sam Rugege, has commended the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), for its contribution in the development of the justice sector in the country.

Prof. Rugege made the comments on Tuesday during a ceremony to welcome the new intake of 42 students pursuing a nine-month post graduate diploma in legal practice.

Rugege stressed the importance of skills development and its contribution in the development of the Justice sector.

"Those who attended this institute are doing a great job out there. They are really helping to improve the justice sector”, Rugege observed.

He challenged legal practitioners to put the institution to good use by building their professional capacities

"We hope that after this course, you will become better professionals”, Rugege told the freshers.

"This institute is well-equipped and has got knowledgeable and skilled lecturers. You should avoid considering yourselves as if you already know what you are learning under the pretext that you were already working in the justice sector. Contrary, use this is an opportunity to develop your skills and further your knowledge”, Rugege advised.

Participants in the programme who include lawyers, judges and prosecutors, will cover various topics, including legal drafting, interviewing, pleading, negotiating and judging, among others.

The newly admitted students welcomed the course. Alexandre Kayitsinga, one of them, said: "We will make sure we acquire enough skills which will help us improve our way of working. After completing this course, we wish to be more professional than before”.

The institute’s Rector, Prof. Nick Johnson, urged the students to actively participate in the training programme.

Launched in 2008, the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) in Nyanza District is the first of its kind in the country.

It was established with the aim of becoming a centre of all legal systems and an international centre of excellence for legal development and practice.

j.p.bucyensenge@newtimes.co.rw