The Body of Benchers on Tuesday admitted a total of four thousand, four hundred and twelve (4,412) fresh barristers into the legal profession.
The 4,412 candidates are those that were successful at the November 2023 Bar Final examinations as well as fourteen (14) candidates from previous Bar Final Examinations.
Speaking at the Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja, the Director-General, Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Chiroma, hinted that a total number of 5,300 students participated at the Bar examinations, out of which 4,412 were successful.
“The Nigerian Law School is proudly happy to report that a total number of two hundred and fifty-one (251) candidates bagged First Class grade in the last Bar Final examination.
“This is indeed an outstanding, excellent performance and of course unprecedented.
These figures translate to 83.3% success at the Bar Final Examinations” Prof Chiroma stated.
IHe assured that the School will remain the gate keepers of noble profession in the country, adding that “As Teachers and Administrators, we will continue to uphold the standard and integrity of the Bar”.
He affirmed that all new lawyers exhibited good manners and decorum during their training, and we’re also groomed in the best ethics and ethos of the noble profession.
Prof Chiroma congratulated the new lawyers and their parents, guardians and relations on being part of the memorable and auspicious occasion.
“No doubt, today is a day of great joy for you all, having come this far in realizing your dreams of becoming members of the noble profession of law.
“My prayer for you all is that the Almighty God will grant you all rewarding careers at the Bar.
“I enjoin you to make the best of the legal profession, since it is your free will to belong to it. You must also ensure strict adherence to its norms and ethics. We wish you the best for the future” the DG said.
In an address, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Justice Mary Peter Odilli (rtd) stated that the Judiciary is committed to addressing the issue of conflicting judgements from courts of competent jurisdictions.
To this end, Justice Odili disclosed that the Judiciary now has a Committee that seeks to address the problem of conflicting judgment.
Meanwhile, Justice Odilli She advised the new lawyers to avoid the temptation of being caught up in media trial.
She reminded the new Wigs that there are so many opportunities available within the legal profession,, and therefore, charged them to make wise use of every opportunity they have.
“Always remember all you were taught and put same into practice. The profession you now belong to is the most noble of all; a profession where everybody is somebody.
“You must therefore be seen as living above board. The expectations on you are much; you must not disappoint all those who look up to you.
“I presume, to belong to this noble profession, therefore you must always abide by the Rules and Regulations guiding the profession. You have been called to the Bar in a very important historic period in the legal profession in Nigeria; a period when the good, the bad and the ugly are all operating at the same time.
“The good to the extent that the Supreme Court now has the full compliment of Justices required to man the court. The good to the extent that the welfare of Judicial Officers is being taken seriously and the Body of Benchers alongside other relevant bodies is championing the process.
“I have read in the papers about the increased funding of the Judiciary which is a positive development. I hope it will be backed by adequate release of funds as and when due.
“It is a bad period in the sense that the Judiciary is being bashed and public confidence in the legal system is dwindling, occasioned by incessant conflicting judgements by our courts and flagrant indiscipline amongst lawyers” Odili stated.
“In order to address this vexed issue-of conflicting judgments, the Body of Benchers has constituted a Committee made up of ranking members of the Profession to come up with the best possible ways of addressing the concerns.
“When the Committee completes its assignment and presents its report to the Body of Benchers; it will, upon consideration and approval, be forwarded to the relevant bodies for implementation.
She told the new lawyers that the profession of Law is known for its sanctity, integrity, honesty, objectivity, and respect for the Rule of Law.
Odili therefore implored them, as learned friends, to demonstrate the highest level of professional ethics and decorum in the profession.
