Nigerian-born Canadian, Emem Madu, has been appointed as a Judge of the Alberta Court of Justice in Canada. Madu is an alumna of the University of Lagos Nigeria.

The announcement was made on January, 15, 2025 by Justice Minister Mickey Amery showcasing three new provincial judges, including Emem Madu. Her appointment is to the Edmonton Family and Youth Division and takes effect Jan. 31, 2025.

A Nigerian jurist and fellow alumna, Professor Gideon Christian, shared a post last Thursday announcing her appointment.

He wrote: “A great @UnilagNigeria alumna just got appointed as a Judge of the Alberta Court of Justice. Congrats, Madam Justice Emem Madu. #Naija no dey carry last.”

According to the circular signed by Chinenye Anokwuru, Senior Press Secretary, Justice, and sighted by CITY LAWYER, Madu received a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Lagos, Nigeria in 2002, and a vocational certification from the Nigerian Law School in 2003. She also obtained a Master of Laws degree from the University of Alberta in 2007.

Madu has also worked as a Regulatory Compliance Specialist at ATB Financial, as a Policy and Legislation Analyst at Alberta Justice, and as a Research Lawyer at Brownlee LLP in Edmonton.

Her husband Kaycee (Kelechi) Madu served as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General from 2020 and 2022, as well as Deputy Premier. He also graduated from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) with a Bachelor of Laws degree.

The Alberta Government says the decision to appoint the wife of a former justice minister to the provincial court of justice was subject to “extensive” and independent vetting.

In a statement, provincial Press Secretary Justin Brattinga said judicial appointments “are always undertaken after extensive vetting by the Alberta Judicial Council and the Alberta Judicial Nominating Committee.”

“The candidates appointed in the latest round, including Emem Madu, went through the proper independent process,” he said.

“As a lawyer with extensive experience and education, an immigrant to Canada from Nigeria and a mother, she brings vital experience to the family and youth division.”

In a post on X seen by CITY LAWYER, Kaycee Madu called Emem “arguably the most brilliant legal mind I know” and recounted their meeting in law school at the University of Lagos.

His words:

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed Justices of the Alberta Court of Justice, including my dearest wife, The Honourable Justice Emem Madu. They are exceptional and great addition to the court. I wish them the absolute best as they begin their judicial career.

“Our family are incredibly thrilled at the historic appointment of Justice Madu. Justice Madu is arguably the most brilliant legal mind I know. Having been law school classmates, I witnessed her legal education and career first hand from the first day of law school to this day: from narrowly missing a First Class in law from our alma mater, the prestigious University of Lagos (UNILAG) @UnilagNigeria, to achieving a First Class from the Nigerian Law School, to becoming a law professor at our alma mater, working at one of the biggest law firms in Nigeria and Alberta and obtaining a Master of Laws (LLM) from the Univeristy of Alberta, to the brilliant, astute and compassionate lawyer she is today. Justice Madu has always been exceptional and aim for the very best. I have no doubt that she will bring the same excellence to bear on all matters before her and the court. The Alberta Court of Justice is so lucky to have Justice Madu.

“From our family – our children: Ugonna, Chisom, Adanaya, and me – we are super proud of you and wish you God’s abiding blessings.

“Congratulations!”

The opposition Alberta NDP declined to comment.

Also appointed were Justice Gordon Putnam, named Assistant Chief Justice for the Edmonton Region, and Christine Palmer, who will serve as a judge in northern Alberta.

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