By Shehu Uthman
Justice feels like a myth, something spoken of, rarely seen, and unevenly distributed. What ought to be a fundamental right has, in practice, become a privilege: accessible to some, distant to many. Increasingly, justice appears as a reward one must struggle, plead, or even suffer to obtain, if it comes at all.
However, justice is not meant to be begged for. It is not a favor. It is an inherent right that belongs equally to every individual, rich or poor, strong or vulnerable, young or old. Any system that treats justice as selective undermines its very purpose.
Every nation, community or institution deserves to be treated with justice, and it shouldn't be a luxury at the tips of the hands of the rich but far away from the poor and weak.
At Usmanu Danfodiyo University, many students carry experiences that leave lasting impressions: not merely because of disputes or theft, but because of how such issues are handled.
Conflict is inevitable in any shared environment. Differences in background, ideology, and interest naturally give rise to disagreement. Likewise, incidents such as theft, especially in student hostels have become disturbingly frequent. The real issue, however, is not simply that these problems exist, but how justice is administered in response to them.
When disputes arise, the expectation is clear: fairness, careful evaluation of evidence, and unbiased judgment. But too often, students encounter decisions that appear arbitrary, lacking proper investigation or grounding in any recognized legal or ethical framework. Justice, as rightly said, must not only be done, it must be seen to be done.
The consequences of flawed judgment go beyond the immediate case. They breed resentment, erode trust, and weaken the sense of community. As once observed, a society may endure many imperfections, but it cannot survive sustained injustice.
A Personal Experience
During my early days in the university hostel, I faced a situation where my food items and valuables were repeatedly stolen. Based on the circumstances, I suspected my roommates and reported the matter out of the weight of available evidence. When the case was brought before the hostel security officers, we were granted a hearing. However, what follows will shock you.
There was no meaningful investigation, no structured assessment of evidence, and no clear application of any guiding principle, whether from formal law or established ethical standards. Instead, assumptions appeared to take precedence. At one point, my ethnic background was invoked in a way that suggested bias, subtly implying that my claims were less credible. In that moment, the essence of justice was lost.
Such experiences are not isolated. Conversations with other students reveal similar patterns, complaints of partiality, inadequate inquiry, and decisions influenced by personal perceptions rather than objective reasoning. This calls for urgent reflection.
‘Justice is a Three Way Process’
Justice, as famously articulated by Justice Chukwudifu Oputa in Godwin Josiah v. The State (1985), is not a one-way traffic. Nor is it even two-way traffic. It is a three-way process: justice for the accused, justice for the victim, and justice for society at large. Any system that neglects one of these dimensions fails entirely.
Those entrusted with the responsibility of resolving disputes must be equipped with knowledge, discipline, and a deep sense of fairness. They must rise above personal bias, cultural stereotypes, and emotional impulses. Judgment must be anchored in evidence, guided by principles, and delivered with integrity.
The moral weight of justice is deeply rooted in ethical and spiritual accountability. Islamic teachings, for instance, place extraordinary emphasis on justice. Both the holy Qur’an and the holy Bible repeatedly commands believers to uphold fairness, even when it is against their own interests or those of their loved ones.
Moreover, there is also a human dimension that must not be ignored. For the one who suffers injustice, the memory lingers. It shapes perception, erodes confidence, and leaves emotional scars. For the one who delivers unjust judgment, however, the moment may pass unnoticed. This imbalance makes fairness even more critical.
What is needed now is not merely criticism, but reform. Institutions must establish clearer procedures for dispute resolution, ensure proper training for those in positions of authority, and create systems that promote transparency and accountability. Students, too, must feel confident that their grievances will be handled with seriousness and fairness.
Justice should not depend on who you are, where you come from, or how loudly you can speak. It should stand firm, impartial, and consistent.
In the end, justice is not a path that moves in one direction, nor even two. It is a balanced system, it must serve all sides with equal fairness. Only then can trust be restored, dignity preserved, and community strengthened.
The call, therefore, is simple but urgent: let justice be real, visible, and accessible to all.