Tech Meets Law: Gombe Lawyers Praise Prof. Pantami’s Insightful Lecture
Lawyers under the umbrella of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Gombe State Branch, have extolled the virtues of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, following his keynote lecture on the intersection of law and emerging technologies.
Speaking after the lecture, the Gombe State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Zubairu Muhammad Umar, praised Professor Pantami’s humility and dedication, describing his acceptance to speak in Gombe as a rare honor. Umar noted that in other parts of the world, such as the United States, figures of Pantami’s stature typically charge enormous fees for public lectures. Yet, Pantami voluntarily came to Gombe — a relatively small state — to share his knowledge without hesitation.
“In places like the U.S., when someone of such intelligence and experience delivers a paper, people pay heavily to listen. But MULAN has been privileged to host a man of international repute like Professor Pantami here,” Umar remarked. “His humility, dedication, and love for Gombe are exemplary.”
The Attorney General recounted an encounter during Ramadan in Madina, Saudi Arabia, where a fellow Nigerian from Imo State spoke highly of Pantami’s reputation for integrity and scholarship. “He told me Pantami is a man of knowledge and integrity — and I proudly confirmed it,” Umar said, highlighting Pantami’s global recognition.
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Reflecting on the lecture, Umar confessed that despite decades in the legal profession since studying law at the University of Maiduguri in 1979, he had never encountered such a profound and structured exposition on the duties of a lawyer as delivered by Professor Pantami. “The six duties he outlined are lessons no lecturer had ever put so clearly for me in over 40 years of practice,” he added.
He further revealed that Pantami’s session was the first lecture he attended without losing concentration. “Usually, lectures become boring and repetitive, but today I sat attentively from start to finish, learning new things throughout,” he admitted.
Barrister Umar also suggested that Professor Pantami be conferred an honorary membership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), given the profound impact of his lecture on the legal community.
He acknowledged the need for lawyers to adapt to technological advancements, admitting his personal resolve to retrain himself in digital skills despite earlier plans to retire from legal practice after 2027. “Professor Pantami’s emphasis on the importance of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in legal practice has inspired me to pursue further knowledge,” he stated.
Umar concluded by calling for the transcription and distribution of Professor Pantami’s lecture to legal professionals across Nigeria, noting that the insights shared would greatly enhance the efficiency and modernization of legal services.
“On behalf of MULAN, the legal community, and the people of Gombe, we express profound gratitude to Professor Pantami. We pray for his continued success and for Allah to increase him in knowledge and integrity,” he said.
By PRNigeria
