The Federation of African Law Students (FALAS) has set up, furnished and dedicated a new office in Liberia.
The project was funded by the administration of the University of Liberia (UL) and donations from students of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia.
FALAS is an international nonpartisan forward-looking association wired to build a united Africa and a common future.
FALAS was founded in September 2019 to foster togetherness among law students.
The association also aspires to achieve goal #3 of the African Union Agenda 2063: to promote good governance, respect for human rights, peace and justice in Africa.
According to the President of FALAS, Siafa Bahn Kemokai (who happen to be the first Liberian to head the association), FALAS is a hub for law students from diverse legal, cultural and religious backgrounds on the continent.
“This body serves as a platform to facilitate international legal practice and professionalism for law students and young lawyers,” President Kemokai said.
Kemokai stated that the idea to establish the association convened in Nigeria initially among fourteen countries.
FALAS currently has a membership of 33 countries with five new members; Mali, Kenya, Rwanda, Angola, and Burkina Faso obtaining membership as a result of an engagement from FALAS’ President Kemokai.
The headquarters of the Federation of African Law Students (FALAS) is situated in Abuja, Nigeria.
Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Cllr. Prof. Philip A.Z. Banks, cut the ribbon and officially dedicated the new office.
Cllr. Banks hailed the leadership of FALAS, particularly the President, for making his fellow students proud.
“I’m very proud, as President of that regional body and as a Liberian, that LAWSA is elevated by this achievement,” Cllr. Banks remarked.
He acknowledged the efforts of a few Liberians who are equally contributing positively to bringing pride to their country.
He challenged FALAS’ leadership to exhibit quality leadership that will continue to bring pride to Liberia.
“Let me tell you, Mr. President, and your officers; if one of you excel, it is the law school that has excelled,” Cllr. Banks noted.
Cllr. Banks, who is also a professor of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, urged his fellow professionals to concentrate on supporting the efforts of Liberian students who are striving to put Liberia on the global stage in many areas.
“Let us give support to lift Liberia, like our President, George Manneh Weah, who lifted Liberia out of the ghettos through sports,” Cllr. Banks admonished.
Prof. Dr. Jonathan C. Taylor spoke on behalf of the UL administration. He underscored the critical role of Law students in ensuring freedom and justice for everyone.
“Even as we contemplate on Africa Agenda 2063, the role of FALAS could not be timelier to guarantee the rights and freedom of people,” Dr. Taylor stated.
He further emphasized the important role of FALAS for the maintenance of peace and development.
“You cannot talk about peace, regardless of which aspect, without the involvement of law,” Dr. Taylor reminded.
He congratulated the Dean of the Law School, Cllr. Jallah Barbu, and law students for representing UL well.
Dr. Taylor reaffirmed UL administration’s full support to the Law School.
Also speaking, Dean Jallah Barbu expressed happiness for FALAS’ new office which, according to him, will enhance closer cooperation between local and international law students in member countries.
Dean Barbu promised to work closely with the association by providing support and guidance.
The ceremony was attended by the vice president of the Liberia National Bar Association, officers of the Law Student Association, LAWSA and law students.