In a career spanning decades and defying the odds, Hon. Justice Amina Adamu Augie has become a beacon of justice, empowerment, and excellence in Nigeria. Born Anne Eva Graham on September 3, 1953, in Kebbi State, Justice Augie’s life story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
Hon. Justice Amina Adamu Augie’s academic journey is as diverse as it is impressive. Starting her education at Abadina School, University College Ibadan from 1958 to 1960, she continued at Hope Waddell Primary School, Calabar (1960-1962), Holy Rosary Primary School, Enugu (1966-1967), and Queen Amina College, Kaduna (1968-1971). Her higher education saw her at the University of Ife, Ile-Ife (1972-1977), Nigerian Law School, Lagos (1977-1978), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1980-1981), and the University of Lagos (1986-1987). Called to the Nigerian Bar on July 8, 1978, her legal career was set in motion.
Legal and Academic Career
Justice Augie began her legal career as a Legal Aid Counsel with the Legal Aid Council, Sokoto, during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year from 1978 to 1979. She quickly rose to become the Head of the Department at the Legal Aid Council, Sokoto State. From 1980 to 1982, she served as an Assistant Lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before taking on the role of Senior State Counsel in the Office of the Chief Counsel to then-President Alhaji Shehu Shagari (1982-1984). Her academic inclinations continued with a lecturing position at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.
Judicial Excellence
In 1988, Justice Augie was appointed Chief Magistrate in the Sokoto State Judiciary. Her passion for academia remained unshaken as she accepted a part-time lecturing position at Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto (1989-1992), later serving as an Associate Lecturer (1999-2002). Her judicial ascent continued when she was appointed to the Court of Appeal Bench in 2002, serving in various divisions, and rising to Presiding Justice in the Benin, Enugu, Kaduna, and Lagos Divisions.
On November 7, 2016, Justice Augie reached the pinnacle of her judicial career when she was elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
National and International Contributions
Justice Augie’s contributions extend beyond the courtroom. She has chaired numerous tribunals and committees, including the Recovery of Public Properties Tribunal, Sokoto State (1995-1996), and the Failed Banks Tribunal, Lagos (1996-1999). Her involvement in national assignments is extensive, including her roles as a Federal Government Delegate to the United Nations Decade for Women Conference, Nairobi, Kenya (1985), and a member of various national committees on child rights and juvenile justice.
Her international engagements are equally notable, participating in conferences and presenting papers across the globe, including Canada, Austria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Australia, and the United States. Justice Augie has a rich portfolio of over 75 papers presented and 15 publications.
Awards and Recognitions
Justice Augie’s exceptional contributions have earned her numerous awards and recognitions. She was the Best Overall Student at the University of Ife in 1977 and has received accolades from various legal and educational institutions. Notably, in 2014, she was conferred with the prestigious National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Personal Life and Legacy
Beyond her professional achievements, Justice Augie is a devoted mother of four. Her journey from Anne Eva Graham to Hon. Justice Amina Adamu Augie is a story of transformation, empowerment, and dedication to justice. Her legacy continues to inspire many in the legal field and beyond, embodying the spirit of perseverance and excellence.
Justice Augie’s life and career serve as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through determination and a commitment to justice.
