Certificate of Advanced Studies in
International Law and Diplomacy
(With focus on International Finance and Sustainable development)
July 20 –24 , 2026
Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Supreme Court of Nigeria Complex, Three Arms Zone, Central District Abuja.
About the Course
The advanced certificate course in international law is co-organized by the Nigerian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) and the International Law Association (ILA). The ILA was established in 1873, with the objective and mandate to promote “the study, clarification, and development of international law, both public and private, and the furtherance of international understanding and respect for international law.”
Given the importance of international law to national development, it is essential for key stakeholders in government, private practice, academia, and students to understand key multilateral agreements that, through their effective implementation, can accelerate sustainable development, specifically on issues related to foreign direct investments, regional economic integration, human rights, peace and security, climate change and environmental protection, management of new technologies, and alternative dispute resolution, amongst others. Maximizing Nigeria’s strong potential and growing influence in international law and diplomacy will require a new generation of professionals with expertise in international law and the art of negotiating complex trade and investment agreements that unlock prosperity and growth, while avoiding adverse human rights impacts.
The ultimate objective of this course is to expose participants to the specialised knowledge and skillsets required in the practice of international law and diplomacy. The course provides an in-depth examination of the core sources and principles of international law, the practical challenges that limit their effective design and implementation, especially in the context of developing economies, as well as the innovative approaches and skillsets required to negotiate win-win international instruments in an increasingly globalized world. The course will also address hot topics and trends that are particularly important for Nigeria, including the transfer of technology, the role of public-private partnerships in key economic sectors, business and human rights, and corporate social responsibility.
Structure: The one-week course consists of 9 4-hour sessions. The first eight sessions (Monday–Thursday) focus on the legal frameworks and hot topics in international law, International Finance, and diplomacy. In the last session (Friday morning), participants will be divided into groups and assigned a hypothetical international law case to negotiate. and discuss.
Certificates shall be awarded at the end of the course. The course is organized in partnership with the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE) meaning that participants receive 2 CPD points from the NBA-ICLE.
Structure
The one-week course is composed of nine 4-hour sessions. The first eight sessions (Monday – Thursday) focus on the legal frameworks and hot topics in international law and the settlement of disputes. In the last session (Friday morning), participant will be divided in groups and assigned a hypothetical case in international law to negotiate. and discuss.
Module 1 – Foundations: Nature and Sources of International Law
Module 2 – Public International Law (hot topics in: Human Rights, Labor, Environment, bribery and corruption, peace and post-conflict reconstruction and development)
Module 3 – International Finance and Economic Law (hot topics in trade, investment, finance, economic integration and digitization) •
Module 4 – Dispute Resolution in International Law
Module 5- Practical exercise on negotiation'
Who Should Attend?
Lawyers in private practice
Legal academics
Government officials
Members of the judiciary
Non-lawyer experts in commercial, industrial, and financial sectors
Representatives of organizations such as shipping companies, chambers of commerce, and arbitration bodies
Anyone Interested in International Law
Course Fee
ILA Member
N200,000
Non-Member
N300,000
(Virtual Attendance)
N150,000
Convenors
Prof. Abdulqadir I. Abikan
Director-General Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN
President, International Law Association, Nigerian Branch
Faculty
Join The International Law Association (Nigerian Branch)