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The First Female Chief Justice In Nigeria's History

In the annals of Nigeria's judicial history, one name stands out for breaking barriers and setting unprecedented milestones: Aloma Mariam Mukhtar. Appointed as the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) in 2012, Justice Mukhtar's journey is a testament to resilience, excellence, and unwavering commitment to justice. This blog post delves into her early life, illustrious career, and the enduring impact she has made on Nigeria's legal landscape.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 20, 1944, in Lagos, Nigeria, Aloma Mariam Mukhtar hails from Adamawa State. Her formative years were marked by a robust educational foundation that spanned both Nigerian and international institutions. She attended:

• St. George’s Primary School, Zaria
• St. Bartholomew’s School, Wusasa, Zaria
• Rossholme School for Girls, East Brent, Somerset, England
• Reading Technical College, Reading, Berkshire, England
• Gibson and Weldon College of Law, England

In November 1966, she was called to the English Bar, and the following year, she was called to the Nigerian Bar, marking the beginning of a trailblazing legal career. 

Pioneering Legal Career

Justice Mukhtar's professional journey is characterized by a series of groundbreaking achievements:

1. First Female Magistrate in Northern Nigeria (1969-1973): She began her career as a Pupil State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, Northern Nigeria, and soon became the first female magistrate in the North Eastern Government. 
2. Chief Registrar of Kano State Judiciary (1973): Demonstrating exceptional administrative and legal acumen, she was appointed as the Chief Registrar, further solidifying her role in the judiciary.
3. Judge of the High Court of Kano State (1977-1987): Her appointment as a High Court judge marked another first for women in the region, showcasing her dedication to justice and legal excellence.
4. Justice of the Court of Appeal (1987-1993): Rising through the ranks, she became the first female justice of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, serving in the Ibadan division.
5. Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (2005-2012): Her ascent continued as she became the first female justice of Nigeria's apex court, contributing significantly to landmark judgments.
6. Chief Justice of Nigeria (2012-2014): Culminating her illustrious career, Justice Mukhtar was appointed as the 13th indigenous CJN on July 16, 2012, by President Goodluck Jonathan, making history as the first woman to hold this esteemed position. 

Challenges and Triumphs

Justice Mukhtar's journey was not without challenges. Navigating a predominantly male-dominated field, she faced societal and professional hurdles. However, her unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and excellence enabled her to overcome these obstacles. Her tenure as CJN was marked by efforts to combat corruption within the judiciary and to uphold the rule of law.

Legacy and Impact

Justice Mukhtar's legacy is profound and multifaceted:

• Inspiration for Women: Her achievements have inspired countless Nigerian women to pursue careers in law and other fields traditionally dominated by men.
• Judicial Reforms: During her tenure, she advocated for reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and integrity of the judiciary.
• National Honors: In recognition of her contributions, she was conferred with the Nigerian national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger in 2006 and later the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger in 2012. 

Conclusion

Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar's story is one of breaking barriers and setting new standards. Her dedication to justice and her trailblazing achievements have left an indelible mark on Nigeria's judiciary and continue to inspire future generations.