The Goldcoast Developmental Foundation has rewarded outstanding students of the Faculty of Law, Niger Delta University (NDU), Bayelsa State, with cash prizes, books and laptops for their academic performance.

The awards were presented at a ceremony organised in partnership with Triax Solicitors to recognise students who distinguished themselves in Commercial Law, Professional Ethics and Alternative Dispute Resolution during the last academic session.

The ceremony, presided over by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. G.G. Otuturu, was attended by lecturers and members of the Law Students’ Union Executive Council.

Speaking at the event, Founder and President of the Foundation, Dr Moses Oruaze Dickson, said the initiative was designed not only to reward academic performance but also to encourage discipline, consistency, good character and hard work among students.

Dickson, who joined other lecturers to teach the three modules, said the prizes were intended to demonstrate to students that their efforts and sacrifices were recognised and valued.

He urged students who did not receive awards not to be discouraged, stressing that the recognition formed part of an ongoing effort by Triax Solicitors and the Foundation to support students and promote academic excellence
The Dean, Prof. Otuturu, commended the Foundation and Dickson for supporting the Faculty’s efforts to encourage academic excellence.

He said the initiative had contributed to creating a culture of hard work and healthy competition among students, expressing hope that similar interventions by lecturers and other members of the university community would continue.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the Commercial Law award, where two students, Agala Herbert Douglas and Edevbie Deborah Oghenetejiri, recorded the same score as the best-performing students.

Both students received laptops, while Dickson announced an additional cash prize of N20,000 each and commendation letters from his law firm, Triax Solicitors.

Other award recipients included Dennis Digiton, who emerged as the best student in Professional Ethics, and Tarilate Ebiwalate Gwyneth, who was recognised as the best student in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Bafaga Blessing Kareena emerged first runner-up in Commercial Law, while Jim Davison Perfect and Dawari ThankGod Naranie were the first runners-up in Professional Ethics and Alternative Dispute Resolution respectively.

The Foundation also presented consolation prizes to nine top-performing students in each of the three courses.

Speaking on behalf of the students, the Vice-President of the Law Students’ Union, Princess Etugbo, appreciated the Foundation and the Faculty management for the initiative, describing it as a significant encouragement to students.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony included Dr Douye Fiderekumo, Mrs Keriboyegha Stephen Appi, Dr Oyinkare Esther Harrison, Dr Maxwell Obesi and the Head of the Department of Commercial and Industrial Law, Dr Abdullahi Yusuf Abdullahi, who was represented.

Founded in 2012, the Goldcoast Developmental Foundation is a non-profit organisation focused on human capital development in the Niger Delta, with an emphasis on investing in education and supporting initiatives aimed at developing the region’s people.