A recent report from the Nigerian Bar Association revealed the outcome of the November 2023 bar examination, showcasing both successes and challenges within the legal sphere.

According to the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, out of the 5,300 candidates who took the final bar examination, 4,412 emerged successful. Among these, an impressive 251 candidates attained first-class honours.

Prof. Chiroma expressed satisfaction with the overall performance, stating, “The Nigerian Law School is proudly happy to report that a total of 251 candidates bagged first-class grades in the last Bar final examination. This is indeed an outstanding excellent performance and, of course, unprecedented.”

However, the report also highlighted a concerning figure: 888 candidates failed to pass the examination, indicating areas where improvement is needed.

During the Call to Bar ceremony held in Abuja, Mary Peter-Odili, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, addressed the challenges facing the judiciary. She noted the decline in public confidence due to conflicting judgments and disciplinary issues among lawyers.

Peter-Odili emphasized the importance of addressing these issues promptly, stating, “In a bid to address this vexed issue of conflicting judgments, the Body of Benchers constituted a committee made up of ranking members of the profession.”

Furthermore, she urged the newly minted lawyers to uphold integrity and professionalism, cautioning against corruption and behaviour detrimental to the legal profession’s reputation.

Reflecting on the current state of the legal profession, Peter-Odili encouraged optimism amidst challenges, citing positive developments such as increased funding for the judiciary and improvements in judicial welfare.

As the legal community works towards enhancing standards and restoring public trust, the achievements and shortcomings revealed by the bar examination serve as valuable insights for future endeavours.

Author: Deborah Oyinloye

With an interest in media, Deborah aims to impart the lives of people positively.

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