INTRODUCTION
The Directorate of Legal Services was established by Section 5 (1) (d) (Second Schedule) of the Nigerian Army University Biu (Establishment) Act 2020 among the list of Directorate from the inception of the University to cater for the legal needs of the University. The Directorate is responsible for providing legal advice to the University and attending to all legal issues affecting the University, its clients and business partners. The Directorate is also responsible for obtaining updates from external solicitors of the University on matter(s) they are representing the University on.
STAFF
The Directorate is currently having a strength of three lawyers i.e. Lt. CL Ozoifeakpagh (Military Officer – Ag. Director – away on official assignment) and Legal officers i.e. Barr. Hamza Ibrahim Mohammed and Barr. Abdulraqib Salihu Mohammed. The working of the Directorate is assisted by two Administrative Officers. i.e. Abubakar Abdullahi and Mohammed Ibrahim Alkali.
LOCATION
As at the moment, the Directorate functions at Porta Cabin No. 1, Temporary Site, NAUB.
DUTIES OF THE DIRECTORATE
Generally, the Directorate takes charge of all in-house legal problems of the University. The specific duties of the Directorate include amongst others: Drafting and review of all legal instruments to be executed between the University on the one hand, its employees, its contractors and other legal entities on the other hand. Documentation of MOU’s and other related instruments executed with the University for Local, national and international co-operative understanding and collaboration on academic and non-academic matters. Reviewing/renewing MOU’s and Lease Documents and or Instruments where appropriate to be in consonance with the prevailing Laws of the Land.
Documentation of leases and tenancies of the University for effective income generation to the University; Preparation of legal advice for the day to day engagement of the University. Membership/Secretary-ship of University Standing and Ad-hoc Committees, Incorporation and Secretary-ship of University owned Companies. Taking charge of all legal matters in the University and or in liaison with the University External Solicitors. Generation of fund internally from payments to be made for drafting of instruments, leases and certification of University documents.
Managing disputes and claims against the University, or managing claims brought by the University. Managing the registration, use and protection of the University’s trademarks. Reviewing and advising on legal aspects of communications, including advertising, marketing, website and announcements. Ensuring the application of rules and regulations of the University on all categories of persons in the University. any other functions that may be assigned to the Directorate by the University Management or any of its arm.
DIRECTORATE MEMBERSHIP OF UNIVERSITY COMMITTEES
Tenders Board – Ongoing.
Management Tenders Board – Ongoing.
Staff Disciplinary Committee (Senior and Junior) – Ongoing
Examination and Related Misconduct Committee – Ongoing
Editorial Board – Yet Inaugurated
University Housing Committee – Yet Inaugurated.
Asset Disposal committee – Yet inaugurated
University Community Relations Committee – Yet inaugurated.
Security Management Committee – Yet inaugurated.
Condition of Service Review Committee – Yet Inaugurated.
Student hand Book Review Committee – Yet Inaugurated.
Committee to harmonize the drafted copy of condition and scheme of service – Yet Inaugurated.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Since inception, the Directorates has ensured prompt drafting of memorandums of understanding between the University and several corporate bodies, agreements and contracts entered into by the University. The Directorate has also dedicated itself towards ensuring that the University is adequately represented in all pending litigations and discussions with corporate bodies and individuals. The Directorate has ensured prompt monitoring and compliance to all existing legal obligation existing between the Institution and persons (private and corporate) for preservation of the peaceful coexistence and promotion of synergy between the institution, host community and beyond.
LEADERSHIP
The Directorate was at the inception of the University was a Unit under the Registry Department and was then headed by Abubakar Sadiq Esq. (Legal Officer) and upon its conversion to a Directorate, military officers (Lawyers) were posted by the Nigerian Army, Directorate of Legal Services in both Substantive and Acting. Col. AA Audu Esq was the first Director posted to the Directorate and upon posting out Lt. CL Ozoifeakpagh (now Captain) was posted in, in an acting capacity. From the records obtained in the files of the Directorate, Director (Col. AA Audu Esq) has made efforts and drafts in efforts to divide the responsibilities of the directorate as shown in the organogram attached hereto.