Theme: “Embracing AI Without Losing Our Humanity”

Theme: “Embracing AI Without Losing Our Humanity”

Distinguished colleagues and friends,

It is a privilege to join you at Bukuru Law Week where our unity and shared purpose remind us that the Bar must guide change with wisdom.

The theme of this gathering, “Understanding AI in Legal Practice: Issues, Dilemmas and Challenges”, comes at a moment when many jurisdictions use AI to make legal work faster and client service better. In Nigeria we still wrestle with its meaning for fairness, rights and equality.

We must consult and collaborate rather than issue edicts from above. Regulations that safeguard against misuse must allow innovation to serve. Across branches and institutions the Bar must set ethical standards for AI, build digital literacy among lawyers and ensure accountability.

AI can lighten the burdens of our justice system by speeding up research, managing routine tasks and expanding access to courts. But without conscience it risks reinforcing bias, eroding privacy and leaving vulnerable people further behind. Our leadership will be judged by how we protect human dignity in this change.

In this regard, Bukurus history teaches us much about the power of unity. The rich heritage of Plateau State, a melting pot of creativity and community for centuries provides a template for the legal profession to model in its approach to AI. Our approach should be creative, collaborative, communal and inclusive. 

As the Berom proverb says, “A tree does not make a forest by standing alone.” Let that remind us that justice depends on many roots working together. AI must work for all, not just for the few.

Thank you. May God bless the Nigerian Bar Association Bukuru Branch.