Following my enrollment as a lawyer in Ghana, I was looking for a reputed institution that could enhance my knowledge and develop my competence in issues of international governance and its interplay with human rights.
I eventually chose Public International Law Program at UiO for two reasons. Firstly, the programme had the flexibility in selection of courses I was interested in pursuing having in mind my career goals. I believed PIL could open doors to my career opportunities in life. Secondly, UiO seemed well suited as an institution that provided so much support for international students in terms of financial assistance and the initial contact and follow-up in my application processes was excellent.
After my graduation from UiO in PIL, I was employed as a Lecturer at the Faculty of Law in one of the Public Universities in Ghana; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi where I taught for some time before joining the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Abuja, Nigeria. At the university I taught among other courses, International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law. Again, as a Consultant, I assisted in diverse ways the efforts of UNHCR/Legal Aid Scheme of Ghana in addressing concerns of Refugees in Ghana.
In my current position as the Executive Assistant to the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, I advise the President on issues of human rights by way of research and drafting of rulings and judgments on cases before the Court.
PIL had given me the needed tools in a broader context to discharge my mandate in various capacities. It was an incredible programme that exposed me to various international human rights instruments during my enrollment. The amount of resources and the tutelage offered were adequate for a firm foundation for the achievement of my career goals. I still have fond memories of our awesome trip to the Hague where we learnt at first hand the workings of the ICJ and ICCTY. One ca not also forget the experience of meeting with Judges/Jurists of international repute who granted interviews at the Faculty.
PIL Programme offers wide range of career opportunities. I can give testimony of some of my mates who are currently working with various international and regional human rights institutions. Some are also in the academia and other research institutions. I have mates who are also prosecutors and officers of national courts.
I personally believe the rich contents of PIL Programme and the flexibility it affords the individual student in course selection, open doors of career opportunities to its graduates. I do not regret choosing PIL at UiO and will highly recommend the programme to any prospective student dreaming of higher goals in future.