The Enugu State Government, in partnership with LexTech Ecosystem Limited, a Nigerian legal technology company, on Wednesday graduated 39 pioneer Verbatim Court Reporters to enhance efficient justice delivery in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that verbatim court reporters are professionals trained to produce precise and complete real-time records of spoken words during court proceedings, depositions, and arbitrations.
They ensure accuracy in court reporting by providing real-time transcription services across various courts.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the High Court Auditorium in Enugu, Gov. Peter Mbah said the reporters were trained to enhance court efficiency and accelerate justice delivery in the state.
Mbah, represented by his Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Mr Osinachi Nnajieze, noted that the graduates were the first beneficiaries of his administration’s judicial reforms, aimed at modernising the legal system.
According to the governor, the new initiative will not displace existing court clerks who still use manual processes.
He rather said the reforms were designed to be inclusive, providing opportunities for all judiciary staff to upgrade their skills and adapt to evolving technologies.
“You will set the pace,” he told the graduates. “Help us take records accurately and retrieve them quickly.
“Become critical part of what needs to be done for judiciary to thrive”.
Congratulating the reporters, Mbah said, “You came this far because you are good enough. Your story in judiciary starts now”.
In his address, the Chief Executive Officer of LexTech Ecosystem Limited, Emeka Albert, described the event as the beginning of a new chapter in the administration of justice in Enugu state.
He explained that the initiative stemmed from a vision to equip the courts with real-time transcription professionals capable of bridging the longstanding gap in accurate and efficient court reporting.
Albert noted that during court proceedings, the trained reporters would capture audio and transcribe it into text, significantly reducing the burden on judges “who currently take notes by hand.”
He congratulated the graduands, commending their resilience, focus, and adaptability in mastering a skill that was both technically demanding and critical to the justice sector.
“You are touch bearers of a transformative movement, the judicial system” Albert said.
He commended the state government, the Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary for their foresight, commitment and drive towards the initiation and implementation of the project.
He also thanked the trainers, facilitators and project team for their efforts in laying a solid foundation for the graduands to thrive.
In a goodwill message, the Principal, LexTech Verbatim Reporters Academy (LVRA), Olujide Adeniran, said the graduands during their training demonstrated dedication, perseverance and a passion for the art of court reporting.
“You have honed your skills in LexscriptsAI, developed your knowledge of legal terminology, sharpened your skills in accurately presenting the spoken words in text and cultivated the professionalism required to excel in this field.
“As court reporters, you will play a vital role in the administration of justice.
“Your work will ensure that accurate records are created and that the voices of all parties involved in legal proceedings are captured with precision and integrity.
“Always strive for excellence in your work, build strong professional relationships with the judges, counsels and other stakeholders. Continuously develop your skills and knowledge to stay ahead in this ever-evolving field,’’ he advised.
Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Ezeme Chibuikem expressed gratitude to the governor, Albert, and everyone who contributed to the successful completion of their training.
He pledged that they would give their best in their new roles and serve as exemplary professionals for those who follow in their footsteps.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards and certificates to the graduandes, as well as the cutting of the graduation cake.