Muslim University of Morogoro to represent Tanzania in international court competition

Dar es Salaam. The Muslim University of Morogoro will now represent Tanzania during an international legal competition which seeks to foster students’ development in the legal profession.

Around 1,600 students from 700 law schools worldwide will converge in the US towards the end of March and early April to compete through the Phillip C. Jessup International Moot Court competition which is a simulation of a fictional dispute between countries before the International Court of Justice - the judicial organ of the United Nations.

The university emerged winner following the 71st edition of the competition that took place in the Kinondoni District Court, bringing together four universities - St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Muslim University of Morogoro, University of Iringa, and Mzumbe University.

Speaking to The Citizen, the national administrator for the Phillip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition, Ms April Ernest said that moot court prepared students on another level of confidence and networking.

“The importance of preparing a student for these competitions lies in providing them with interaction with other outside lawyers whom they can see and consider as mentors. It also empowers them to assess what they have studied during this period and see if the can truly stand in a courtroom,” she said, adding that the participants will gain confidence.

“Last year, we witnessed over 20 students who participated in the competition securing jobs regionally, locally, and internationally. For our country to align with the international business landscape, lawyers need to be trained and prepared to stay competitive," said Ms Ernest.

As a judge, coach, and competitor for over 12 years and recently the administrator for moot court in Tanzania, Ms Ernest encouraged all stakeholders to recognise the importance of the Phillip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition and provide support for it.

St Augustine University of Tanzania School of Law lecturer, Daniel Lubowa said participating in moot court competitions provides students with a good name and good publicity.

“Usually, I tell my students that what you need is eloquence. Once your clients see you expressing in confidence, they will be attracted to hire you. So there is no use of getting super grades when you don’t have the soft skills,” he said.

A fourth-year law student at the Muslim University of Morogoro, Mr Sadiq Halfan narrated that despite the fact that he isn’t a lawyer, through moot court, he was able to voice out what the laws were at the Jessup competition.

“I would like to say that it’s a good experience that connects us with other students. If I have to advise another student, I will say that mooting is one of the best experiences that you can have as a student,” he said.