By: Maduabuchi Nnamdi

The Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators has concluded its Mediation, Certification, and Accreditation Skills Training held at the Students’ Representatives Chamber, University of Ibadan.

It was the first of its kind in the University and was anchored by Dr. Olugbenga Gbarada, the CEO of Dispute Resolution Academy.

The five-year old programme was aimed at training and certifying undergraduates in the South West and Kwara State as Mediators, with a 50% discount on the 200,000 naira participation fee for undergraduates.

The training which began on Monday, the 11th of September ended with a 2-hour examination on Thursday, the 14th. Those who pass this examination will take part in the induction happening on the 28th of November, 2023 in the Federal Capital Territory.

Asked why they attended the training, Festus, a 500-level Law student at the Obafemi Awolowo University stated that he always had an interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution and that he hoped to get certified by November and begin to practice.

Grace, a fresh graduate of Peace and Conflict Studies from the Federal University of Ekiti, said she hoped to acquire more knowledge and skills and that despite the short time for the training she had learnt quite a lot.

Clinton, another 500-level Law student of Obafemi Awolowo University, stated that he joined the training to broaden his knowledge as an aspiring lawyer and that he as well learnt what he hadn’t known before about the topic that he learned in the course of his studies.

The training attracted mediation enthusiasts from different walks of life and will only reopen to admit new members in the coming year.