Leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies for effective legal education in Nigeria

Obuka, Uju, Nwodo, Fochi Amabilis, Itanyi, Nkem ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2124-2642, Aduma, Onyeka Christiana and Nwaogaidu, Samuel Anenechi (2026) Leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies for effective legal education in Nigeria. Ikenga, 27 (1). pp. 170-199. ISSN 2006-4241

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Abstract

Nigeria’s legal education system is increasingly confronted with the transformative impact of digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging technological innovations on legal teaching, research, and professional practice. Despite the growing integration of AI-driven tools and digital learning systems in technologically advanced jurisdictions, legal education in Nigeria continues to rely predominantly on traditional pedagogical models, rigid curricula, and inadequate technological infrastructure. This paper critically examines the structure, regulatory framework, and contemporary challenges of legal education in Nigeria within the context of global digital transformation. Employing a doctrinal and comparative methodology, the study analyses relevant legal literature, regulatory instruments, institutional policies, and comparative practices from jurisdictions such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. Hence, the study identifies key barriers to technological integration and evaluates the potential of artificial intelligence, digital transformation and other emerging technologies to reshape the legal landscape. The authors argue that the continued reliance on conventional methods of legal education risks producing graduates who are insufficiently prepared for the realities of an increasingly technology-driven legal profession. To address these deficiencies, this study proposes a multidimensional reform framework centred on curriculum modernisation, digital literacy, faculty development, regulatory reform, infrastructural investment, cybersecurity safeguards, and institutional collaboration. The paper concludes that the strategic integration of AI and emerging technologies into legal education is essential to enhance the quality, relevance, and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s legal profession in the digital age.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	artificial intelligence,digital transformation,emerging technologies,legal education,legal innovation,nigeria,gender studies,archaeology,cultural studies,history,religious studies,arts and humanities (miscellaneous),social sciences (miscellaneous),literature and literary theory,sdg 9 - industry, innovation, and infrastructure ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3318
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Law
Related URLs:	https://www.scopus.com/pages/publication...
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	02 Jul 2026 08:30
Last Modified:	02 Jul 2026 08:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/103593
DOI:	10.53836/ijia/2026/27/1/007

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