CJN Justice Kekere-Ekun Urges Judiciary Librarians to Embrace AI and Digital Tools for Legal Research
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called on judicial librarians and library officers to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital platforms, and other emerging technologies to enhance legal research and record management in the judiciary.
She appealed on Monday, July 14, 2025, during the opening ceremony of the Biennial National Workshop for Judicial Librarians and Library Officers at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja.
Judicial Libraries: Backbone of Legal Reasoning
Describing judicial libraries as the “intellectual nerve centres” of the courts, the CJN said they play a crucial role in upholding the integrity and quality of judicial reasoning, providing judges and magistrates with access to statutes, case law, and up-to-date legal commentary.
“The incorporation of artificial intelligence, cloud-based databases, blockchain technology, and assisted legal research tools has revolutionised the way legal information is processed and utilised,” she stated.
Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that judicial libraries must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly advancing digital age by integrating hybrid systems that combine traditional print materials with modern digital platforms.
Embracing the Digital Legal Landscape
She urged librarians to upgrade infrastructure, digitise legal materials, and gain competencies in cybersecurity, digital literacy, and AI-driven legal research platforms, which are capable of streamlining processes and supporting sound judicial decision-making.
“The strength of any judiciary lies in the quality of its legal reasoning, which, in turn, is underpinned by the quality of legal research,” the CJN stressed.
The CJN also reminded judicial librarians of their responsibility to maintain confidentiality, impartiality, integrity, and accuracy, cautioning against the distortion of legal information or biased service delivery.
The NJI Administrator Speaks
Also speaking at the event, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Salisu Abdullahi, reiterated the significance of the workshop as a reaffirmation of the judiciary’s commitment to knowledge-driven justice.
He described judicial libraries as the “bridge connecting the past, present, and future of legal thought,” and emphasized their role in preserving legal heritage and supporting judges in shaping society through informed decisions.
“It is imperative for judicial libraries — and the dedicated staff who manage them — to evolve to meet the growing expectations of the legal community,” he said.
The workshop, attended by top judiciary officers, library professionals, and legal scholars, aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and excellence in judicial information services nationwide.