The core of Dr. Jennifer Heaven Mike’s philosophy centers on building the next generation of legal advocates by integrating global perspectives with local needs. Currently serving as the Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Public and International Law at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) and directing the Centre for Governance, Human Rights and Development, Dr. Mike’s career trajectory highlights a commitment to combining rigorous academic study with tangible social impact.
Global Education Meets Local Justice
Dr. Mike’s academic journey—spanning an LLB from the University of Jos, an LLM in London, and a PhD from the University of Exeter—provided her with a comprehensive understanding of diverse legal systems. This international exposure is crucial to her teaching methodology. She emphasizes that while the principles of justice are universal, their application must be critically analyzed and tailored to the unique cultural and political landscapes of different regions. Her involvement as a Visiting Professor at DePauw University further cemented her belief that legal education must be globally informed yet locally relevant, preparing students for ethical and critical practice anywhere in the world.
Advocacy and Social Impact
A significant driver for Dr. Mike is her dedication to human rights advocacy, a passion ignited by witnessing social and legal injustices, particularly against women and marginalized communities, while growing up in Nigeria. Her most impactful advocacy work includes her efforts in Nigerian prisons, championing the rights of inmates whose voices are often silenced. These experiences underscore her conviction that Human Rights Law is not an abstract concept but a vital tool necessary for protecting everyday lives. This commitment is extended through her co-founding of the Mike and Nanre Bello Foundation, which focuses on mentoring young people from underserved communities, empowering them to become active and ethical citizens.
Curriculum and Future Focus
Among her courses, Gender Law and Development holds a special resonance for Dr. Mike, as it allows her to explore the direct intersection of law, social reform, and human rights to achieve transformative effects on policy and people’s lives.
Looking toward the future, Dr. Mike envisions a shift in the legal field, projecting that law and human rights advocacy will become increasingly interdisciplinary and collaborative. She notes that technology and social media are rapidly changing how rights are defended and advocated for globally. Therefore, she advises aspiring law students to be curious, persistent, and courageous, urging them to engage in practical experience alongside their academic studies, emphasizing that the law is fundamentally a tool used “to improve lives.”
