At a time when society expected women to stay at home and take care of their families, Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar chose an extraordinary path.
Driven by fierce determination and a deep passion for justice, she ventured into a career in law. Her journey was not without its challenges, but her resilience paid off. She became the first woman to serve as a magistrate in Northern Nigeria, the first female justice of the Court of Appeal, and, ultimately, the first woman to be appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria. Justice Mukhtar’s story is one of defying societal expectations, and breaking barriers. SONIA OKERE explores her journey
Background
Born on November 20, 1944, in Lagos, Aloma Mukhtar was instilled with a love for education and a drive to succeed from a young age. Though originally from Adamawa State, her education took her far and wide. She started her schooling at Saint George’s Primary School and St. Bartholomew’s School in Zaria before heading to England, where she studied at Rossholme School for Girls in Somerset and Reading Technical College. Her ambition didn’t stop there—she enrolled at Gibson and Weldon College of Law, where she graduated in 1966 and was called to the English Bar. Deeply patriotic and determined to give back to her country, she returned to Nigeria the following year and was called to the Nigerian Bar.
Building a trailblazing career
Justice Mukhtar’s career began in 1967 as a Pupil State Counsel in Northern Nigeria’s Ministry of Justice. Her exceptional work ethic and sharp legal mind quickly set her apart. In 1971, she achieved a historic milestone and became the first female magistrate in Northern Nigeria.
She spearheaded reforms aimed at making the judicial process more transparent, accountable, and efficient
Her achievements didn’t stop there. Justice Mukhtar was the first female lawyer from Northern Nigeria, the first woman to serve as a judge on the High Court of Kano State, the first female justice of Nigeria’s Court of Appeal, and the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Her greatest milestone came when she became the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria, an achievement that made history and opened doors for women in the legal profession.
Serving as Chief Justice of Nigeria
In 2012, Justice Mukhtar was sworn in as Chief Justice of Nigeria by former President Goodluck Jonathan. Her appointment wasn’t just a personal achievement—it was a victory for women everywhere. It gave hope to countless aspiring female lawyers and judges, showing them that the highest judicial office was no longer an unreachable dream.
But Justice Mukhtar’s impact went far beyond the symbolic significance of her appointment. As Chief Justice, she worked tirelessly to restore public trust in the judiciary. She spearheaded reforms aimed at making the judicial process more transparent, accountable, and efficient. Under her leadership, measures were introduced to address judicial corruption, reduce case backlogs, and improve the overall functioning of the legal system.
Her commitment extended to the well-being of judicial officers as well. She advocated for better training and development programs for judges, ensuring they were equipped to administer justice fairly. Justice Mukhtar also strengthened the rule of law, ensuring that justice was not just a privilege for the powerful but a right for all Nigerians.
Even at 80, Justice Mukhtar continues to inspire, speaking at conferences and events where she shares her wisdom on leadership, social justice, and the legal system
During her tenure, she fiercely defended the independence of the judiciary, ensuring it remained free from external pressures. Her leadership was grounded in a belief in the integrity of the system and the importance of maintaining its credibility.
Though she retired in 2014 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70, her influence didn’t end. She became the first female permanent member of the National Council of State, which is Nigeria’s highest advisory body. Even at 80, Justice Mukhtar continues to inspire, speaking at conferences and events where she shares her wisdom on leadership, social justice, and the legal system. Her advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality remains central to her work, and she continues to push for women to take leadership roles in all sectors of society.
Awards and recognitions
Justice Mukhtar’s trailblazing career has earned her numerous accolades and recognition. In 2012, in recognition of her groundbreaking role as Chief Justice, she was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), one of Nigeria’s highest honors.
She also received the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) for her exceptional service to Nigeria and its legal system.
Her contributions have been celebrated not just in Nigeria, but also internationally.
Justice Mukhtar’s legacy as a trailblazer is not just reflected in her awards but in the lasting changes she brought to Nigeria’s legal landscape and the lives she continues to inspire worldwide.
