The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Friday in Abuja won the third African Regional Round Manfred Lach Moot Court Competition.

The competition, according to NAN, was organised by the International Institute of Space Law (IISL).

Miss Lulu Makapela, Councilor, South African Council for Space Affairs, made this known at the award night organised by the National Space and Research Development Agency (NASDRA).

Obafemi-Awolowo-University-Ile-Ife

She commended OAU and the University of Pretoria that came second for their brilliant performance at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that out of five schools that contested, three were from Nigeria and two from South Africa.

They were University of Zulu Land, South Africa; University of Pretoria, South Africa; Bayero University Kano, Babcock University and Obafemi Awolowo University, from Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Supervising Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, commended the participating schools for releasing their students to participate in the competition.

The minister, who was represented by her Permanent Secretary, Mrs Shuaibu Jimeta,said that Nigeria’s acceptance to host the great event affirmed her commitment towards sensitization and development of space science and technology.

“”The development of space science and technology is the core of the NASRDA.

” This really shows that we are partners in progress, working to uplift the study of space science and technology development in Africa.”

On his part, Prof. Seidu Mohammed, the Director-General of NASRDA, said the competition was a wake of call for scholarship.

Mohammed said that the competition was an avenue to promote healthy competition intended to enhance advocacy skill.

“The African Regional Round is basically intended to select the best school that will represent the continent in the world round scheduled to take place in Canada later this year.

“It is an impetus to showcase an uncommon quality in mastering and putting issues in perspectives, citing relevant authorities and convincing argument to persuade pendulum of justice to sway in your favour.”

According to him, the event is a hallmark of erudite advocacy and a cherish opportunity for the NASRDA to host.

“NASRDA is one of the foremost space agencies in Africa with a mandate to stimulate global awareness in the acquisition and dissemination of right values for Space Science and Technology,” he said.

Mohammed applauded everyone that contributed in one way or the other to the success of the event