Okwudili Onyenwee ONWURAH

1)    01/09/2019 – 31/08/2023 Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD in LAW) City University of Hong Kong (CityU)

Field of Study: International Environmental Law, Climate Change Law, Business and Human Rights Law, Corporate Law and Governance

Final Grade: Distinction                                  Level in EQF: Level 8                      Number of Credits: 24

Thesis Title: “Multinational Oil Companies (MNOCs) in the Niger Delta: Responsibility for Attributable Environmental Impacts on Human Rights, ESG Reporting and Eco-Restorative Adaptation”

Link: PhD Thesis Link

2)   01/09/2023 – 15/07/2024 Shanghai, China

Master of Law (LLM) East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL)

Key Modules: International Trade Law (A), International Investment Law (A), International Commercial Arbitration (A), Chinese Social Economy (A), Contemporary Issues in Intellectual Property (A), Chinese Civil Law (A), Basic Chinese Language (A), Chinese Company and Securities Law (A), Chinese Legal System and Legal Culture (A), and WTO Legal System (A).

Field of Study: International Economic Law, International Investment Law, International Environmental Law, International Investment Dispute Resolution

Final Grade: Distinction                                  Level in EQF: Level 6                      Number of Credits: 32

Thesis Title: “Potentials of Non-Regression Principle in BITs as a Balancing Tool Between Regulatory Rights to Environment and Investors’ Interests: Nigeria as a Case Study”

Link: LLM Thesis Link

3)   11/09/2016 – 27/06/2018 Qingdao, Shandong, China

Master of Law (LLM) Ocean University of China (OUC)

Key Modules: Natural Resources Protection Law, International Environmental Law, Climate Change Law, Marine Resources Protection Law, International Environmental Policy and Politics, Pollution Prevention Law, Environmental Dispute Resolution Mechanisms, Ecosystem Protection Law, American Public Law, Energy Law, Chinese Legal System.

Field of Study: International Environmental and Resources Protection Law, Maritime Law, Climate Change Law, Biodiversity Protection Law

Final Grade: Distinction                                  Level in EQF: 6                                  Number of Credits; 32

Thesis Title: “Challenges and Regulatory Precautionary Approach of Flag State in the Implementation of Obligations under the Ballast Water Management Convention”

Links: LLM Thesis Link  | Published LLM Thesis

4)    21/09/2014 – 29/09/2015 Exeter, United Kingdom

Master of Laws (LL. M.) University of Exeter

Key Modules: International Human Rights Law, European Convention on Human Rights, International Criminal Law, Environmental Law and Policy.

Field of Study: International Human Rights Law, International Law

Final Grade: Merit                                            Level in EQF: 6                  Number of Credits: 32

Thesis Title: “Critical Review of the Work of the UN Human Rights Committee on Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) in Nigeria”

5)       11/11/2012 – 27/11/2013 Abuja, Nigeria

Barrister-At-Law (B. L.) Nigeria Law School

Key Modules: Criminal Law Practice (A), Corporate Law Practice (A), Civil Law Practice (B ), Property Law Practice (B ), and Law in Practice and Professional Ethics (B ).

Field of Study: Procedural Law and Professional Ethics            National Classification: Second Class

(Upper Division)

6)       11/11/2007 – 29/08/2012 Enugu, Nigeria

Bachelor of Law (LLB) (HONOURS) University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Key Modules: Public International Law, Legal Theory and Jurisprudence, Environmental and Planning Law, Company/Corporate Law, Energy and Natural Resources Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice Law, Constitutional and Human Rights Law, Criminal Law, Commercial Law, Tort Law, Law of Evidence and Procedure, Banking and Insurance Law, Contract Law, Law of Consumer Protection and Bailment Law, Nigeria Legal Methods and Nigeria Legal System.

Field of Study: International Law and Jurisprudence                 National Classification: Second Class (Upper Division) 4.05/5.0 CGPA

• This research paper analyses some of the challenges and precautionary regulatory approaches for flag states in implementing the Ballast Water Management Convention while carrying out their obligations under the Convention. It concluded by suggesting a reflection of universally acceptable and environmentally friendly standards for ballast water management and treatment for containing the increasing prevalence of bio-invasion and transfer of invasive alien species (IAS), often known as harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP) in the marine ecosystem.

“A Loss to Ecosystem in the UK Supreme Court’s Decision in Jalla v Shell: Potentials of a ‘Reverse’ Business Model” (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4562706)

• This case review critically analyzes the UK Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Jalla v. Shell. It highlights the environmental consequences of the court’s ruling and proposes a ‘reverse’ business model as a means to mitigate the loss to the ecosystem caused by Shell’s activities.

“Socio-Ecological Responsibilities of Shell in Nigeria in the Era of the UNGPs: Potentials of a Textual Study” (http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4510134), PUBLIC Int HR eJOURNAL, (9) 218.

• This paper delves into the social and ecological implications of Shell’s operations in Nigeria. It involves a textual study of the company’s compliance with the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPs). It explores potential avenues for improving Shell’s practices to align with human rights and environmental standards. It contributes significant insights into the socio-ecological responsibilities of corporations and their impact on human rights. It highlights the need for stronger accountability mechanisms and innovative approaches to ensure sustainable business practices.

“The Global Call for Restoration of Degraded and Destroyed Ecosystems: Potentials for Multinational Oil Companies within Nigeria in Harnessing the Social Values of Eco-Restorative Climate Adaptation” (2023)  Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4509587

• This paper asserts the instrumental role that business enterprises can play amidst the triple planetary crises, primarily biodiversity loss. Among the available strategies for businesses to alleviate their human rights impacts and ecological harms, they can elect to contribute to ecological restoration as an integral part of their operations. This normative commitment is suggested to redress their impacts and tap into the societal benefits of ecological restoration. The necessity for ecological restoration as a remedial measure to environmental or ecological harms cuts across national boundaries.

“Environmental Protection System between the Antarctic Treaty System and the Arctic Regime: An Insight” (2019) IJRISS Vol. 3 Issue 6, 207-216, https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/Digital-Library/volume-3-issue-6/207-216.pdf

• The paper highlighted the need to ensure strict regulatory management of the polar regions in the quest for economic development to cater for the rapidly melting Arctic ice and maintain the relatively pristine nature of Antarctica.

“The Potentials of ADR for Corporate Remediation in the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Sector of Nigeria”

• Forthcoming in a Special Issue on “Business and Human Rights in Africa” (2024)

Onwurah, OO and Obialor, NI,  (July 5, 2023) Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4500776

2)   City University of Hong Kong Postgraduate Studentship (by Non-UGC Funds – Central) (Research Studentship)- (01-May-2022 to 31-Aug-2023) worth $327,780HKD (US$ 42,750) and awarded based on academic excellence and research skills;

3)   City University of Hong Kong Postgraduate Studentship (by UGC-Allocated Funds and TA Scheme) (Research Studentship)- (01-May-2020 to 30-Apr-2022) worth $432, 200HKD (US$ 55,750) and awarded based on academic excellence and research skills;

4)   City University of Hong Kong College/School/Department Based Postgraduate Studentships (Research Studentship)- (01-Sep-2019 to 30-Apr-2020) worth $136,000HKD (US$ 17,500) and awarded based on academic excellence and research skills;

5)   Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program Chinese Government Scholarship and East China University of Political Science and Law (2023-2024), worth 200,800 CYN (US$ 27,500) and awarded based on academic excellence and research skills;

6)   Chinese Government Scholarship (Chinese Scholarship Commission) and Ocean University of China, (2016 – 2018), worth 122,500 CNY (US$ 20,000) and awarded based on academic excellence, leadership skills, and research;

7)   Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, University of Exeter, (2014 – 2015), worth US$ 50,000 and awarded based on academic excellence, leadership skills, and research potential;

8)   Ikeoha Foundation Scholarship, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2011/2012), worth #50,000 Naira annually for outstanding academic excellence;

9)   Oji- River Peoples Forum (USA) Scholarship, (2007-2012), worth #60,000 Naira annually and awarded based on academic excellence;

10)                 Nigerian Law School Tuition Fee Award sponsored under Oji- River Peoples Forum (USA) Scholarship, (2012-2013), worth #500,000 Naira (US$1,500) and awarded based on academic excellence;

Ø  Central European University (CEU) and Közép-európai Egyetem (KEE) Scholarship (2019/2020) for the LLM in International Business Law and the Corporate Social Responsibility Postgraduate Programme covering Tuition Award: tuition fee amount of €6,500.00 EUR/academic year waived by CEU/KEE; Health Insurance valid throughout the course of your studies; Return Travel Budapest-Vienna: one-time return travel organized and covered by CEU/KEE (Not taken);

Ø  School of Public Policy of Central European University (CEU) Award (2019/2020) worth €9,500 EUR of the tuition fee (Not taken);

Ø  Michigan State University College of Law Master of Laws (LL.M.) Program 25% Tuition Scholarship ($12,000) (2015), awarded on the basis of academic excellence (Not taken);

Ø  Loyola University Chicago, U.S. Law for Foreign Lawyers LL.M. Program 25% Tuition Scholarship ($10,000) (2016), awarded on the basis of academic excellence (Not taken).