The Influence of Legal Education on Rule of Law and Governance in Equatorial Guinea: An Analytical Study

Equatorial Guinea is a small country in Central Africa known for its oil wealth but with significant governance challenges. Legal education plays a crucial role in fostering a robust rule of law, yet its impact remains underexplored. The study employs a qualitative research approach, utilising semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders such as legal educators, policymakers, and civil society representatives. Data collection was conducted through online platforms and face-to-face meetings in the country's capital city. Interviews revealed that there is a significant gap between theoretical education provided by law schools and practical application required for effective governance, particularly regarding corruption prevention strategies. While legal education contributes to enhancing awareness of human rights and legal frameworks, it does not sufficiently equip graduates with the skills needed to implement these principles rigorously in real-world governance scenarios. There is a need for more practical training components within law school curricula alongside theoretical instruction. Collaboration between academia and government bodies could facilitate this integration.