The Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof Isa Hayatu Chiroma, has revealed that 888 candidates failed the final bar examination conducted in November 2023.
During the call-to-bar ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday, Prof Chiroma disclosed that out of the 5,300 candidates who sat for the final examination, only 4,412 were successful, with 251 candidates achieving first-class honors.
In his address, Prof Chiroma stated, “I am happy to report on the good performance recorded by the candidates, as seen in the Executive Summary below: Outstanding/General Performance.”
The breakdown of the examination results is as follows:
- Total number of students who participated in the examinations: 5,300.
- Total number of successful candidates: 4,412.
- Number of candidates awarded first-class honors: 251.
This performance translates to an impressive 83.3% success rate at the bar final examinations.
Addressing the newly called lawyers, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, retired Justice of the Supreme Court Mary Peter-Odili, acknowledged the challenges facing the judiciary, including conflicting judgments and indiscipline among lawyers.
Justice Peter-Odili emphasized the need for the legal profession to uphold integrity and professionalism, urging the new lawyers to avoid corruption and conduct that could tarnish the image of the judiciary.
She also highlighted efforts by the Body of Benchers to address the issue of conflicting judgments, 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.”
Justice Peter-Odili encouraged the new lawyers to contribute positively to the legal profession, especially during this critical period.
Among the new wigs called to the bar was Chief Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State and immediate past Minister of Transportation, who embarked on a new chapter in his career as a legal practitioner.
