Prof. Ojo Emmanuel Ademola Charts a Digital Path for Nigeria’s Judiciary at Magistrates Conference in Ogun

Published By Jerry Adesewo On Apr 19, 2025

Prof. Ojo Emmanuel Ademola Charts a Digital Path for Nigeria’s Judiciary at Magistrates Conference in Ogun

Jerry Adesewo

It was an afternoon charged with intellectual depth and visionary clarity as Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, Nigeria’s foremost Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management and OurNigeria News columnist, took the stage at the 44th Annual Conference of the Magistrate Association of Nigeria (Ogun State Branch). He delivered a keynote address that left legal practitioners inspired and reflective. His message? The time for a digital revolution in Nigeria’s judiciary is now.

Speaking to a packed hall of magistrates, judges, legal scholars and guests at the event held in Abeokuta on April 16, 2025, Professor Ademola, who also serves as the General Evangelist of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, was unequivocal: artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity must be embraced if Nigeria’s justice system is to remain relevant, efficient, and accountable.

Much like every other sector in Nigeria, our judiciary stands at the crossroads of digital transformation,” he began. “Traditional processes—often bogged down by manual inefficiencies, delayed case management, and vulnerabilities to corrupt practices—no longer serve the demands of a modern society.”

A Digital Imperative

With a blend of academic insight and real-world application for which he is known, Professor Ademola laid out the critical role of digital technology, especially AI and cybersecurity, in shaping the future of Nigeria’s legal system. Drawing from his extensive work under initiatives like #TechEMAvision, his column on #OurNigeriaNews, and #DigitalLens, he underscored how technology could improve transparency, automate routine judicial tasks, safeguard sensitive legal data, and ultimately bring justice closer to the people.

He cited examples of how AI could help automate legal filings and analyses, reduce errors in case management, and enhance consistency in rulings. “AI-powered systems can handle the repetitive and administrative aspects of legal work, freeing judges to focus on nuanced legal reasoning. They can also help predict case outcomes based on legal precedents, promoting fairness and uniformity in decision-making.”

On cybersecurity, the professor was equally direct, warning that as Nigeria digitises court records and legal operations, it becomes increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats.

“We need robust AI-driven cybersecurity frameworks to detect and neutralise threats, protect sensitive data, and ensure the integrity of legal documents. We cannot afford breaches in a system that is meant to safeguard justice.”

The Human Side of the Digital Revolution

While some might fear the automation of justice processes, Professor Ademola was quick to reassure the audience that AI is not here to replace magistrates but to support them. He asserts, “AI is not your competition. It’s your companion. For every task it automates, it offers new avenues of insight and productivity. You, the human element, will always be at the centre of justice delivery.”

He also emphasized how AI can be a tool for inclusion. Through digital legal aid platforms and AI-driven chatbots, even the most marginalised citizens can gain access to basic legal support, especially in remote or underserved regions. “Let us not forget that access to justice is a right, not a privilege. Technology can help bridge the gap between the courtroom and the community.”

A Call to Action

Yet, Professor Ademola, who is the founder and proprietor of the University of Professional Studies (UNIPRO) in Osun state, did not shy away from highlighting the challenges that must be overcome. These include a lack of awareness about digital tools, inadequate infrastructure in courts, concerns over data privacy, and a shortage of tech-savvy legal professionals.

“To navigate these challenges, we need a national digital justice strategy, investment in training and capacity building, partnerships with academic and tech institutions, and a relentless commitment to public engagement.”

His roadmap was comprehensive. From setting up digital courts to implementing robust monitoring systems, he proposed actionable steps that could help the judiciary take full advantage of emerging technologies.

Justice Against Corruption

One of the most compelling parts of his keynote focused on how AI and cybersecurity could combat corruption in the judiciary. “AI can detect patterns of malpractice through real-time anomaly detection, and digital records provide an auditable trail that discourages corruption and builds public trust,” he explained.

Professor Ademola’s message was deeply rooted in both his personal journey and professional ethos. He has long advocated for the role of innovation in social transformation, and his address reflected his belief that the future of Nigeria’s legal system depends not only on tradition and jurisprudence but on digital readiness and ethical application of technology.

Reactions from the Bench

Expectedly, after the keynote, applause erupted across the room. Magistrates expressed appreciation for what many called a “timely intervention” in an era where Nigeria’s courts are often under scrutiny for delays, inefficiencies, and inaccessibility.

Magistrate Oluwaseun Ajayi of the Ogun South District said, “It was not just a speech; it was a blueprint. Professor Ademola gave us the vision, but also the tools. Now it’s up to us to act.”

Others echoed similar sentiments, noting that if embraced, the ideas presented could transform not just how justice is delivered but how it is perceived by ordinary Nigerians.

A Timely Conference

Held under the theme “Charting a New Course for the Judiciary in the Digital Age,” this year’s conference couldn’t have come at a better time. Nigeria, like many developing nations, is grappling with how to digitise public services without losing its human touch. And in the judiciary, where fairness and precision are paramount, this transformation must be carefully executed.

He however, concluded with a passionate plea: “Let us not fear the future. Let us shape it. We have an opportunity to build a judiciary that is not only respected for its verdicts but admired for its vision. Technology is the tool. Justice is the mission.”

As one attendee aptly summarised, “If the future of Nigeria’s judiciary has a voice, it spoke today—and it spoke through Professor Ademola.”

With a message that resonated far beyond the walls of the conference hall in Abeokuta, it’s clear that the conversation about digital transformation in Nigeria’s judiciary has only just begun—and it now has a formidable champion.

Prof. Ojo Emmanuel Ademola Charts a Digital Path for Nigeria’s Judiciary at Magistrates Conference in Ogun