Judge gives Loyola Jesuit College 11 days to resolve admission suit with teen

The Federal High Court, Abuja has again granted the Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, and an admission-seeking applicant, Master Aondo Terdoo Caleb, until August 26 to amicably settle a suit brought before it by the minor applicant out of court.

Justice Peter Lifu gave the school and the minor an 11-day extension to resolve the dispute, which arose due to an alleged denial of admission brought against the college by the applicant.

During Friday’s proceedings, the judge gave lawyers for both parties and the parents of the admission-seeking applicant a four-hour recess to resolve the matter, considering the circumstances that led to the case and the age of the applicant.

However, at the end of the four-hour emergency meeting convened at the judge’s request, counsel for the teenager, Mr Mathew Burkaa, SAN, and the school’s counsel, Pius Ediale, requested more time from the judge to allow for wider consultations in hopes of reaching an out-of-court settlement.

Justice Lifu granted their request and urged them to use their experience and wisdom to resolve the dispute without resorting to litigation, in the best interest of the teenager.

The judge subsequently scheduled August 26 for a final report on the out-of-court settlement or the possible continuation of proceedings in the suit.

Both senior lawyers expressed satisfaction with Justice Lifu’s decision, especially the directive to settle the matter out of court for the benefit of the teenager seeking admission to the renowned college to continue his education.

The teenager was present in court to witness Friday’s proceedings.