The Director – General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Ciroma, SAN, has said 618 students who sat for the December 2020 Bar final examinations did not pass.
He revealed this on Tuesday in Abuja while presenting the graduating lawyers to the Body of Benchers at the 2020 Call to the Bar ceremony.
He said that 1,561 students participated in the examination but only 880 were successful to be called to the Nigerian bar.
“Four others were from previous Bar examination,” he said, adding that the graduands had met all the required and set conditions by the Council of Legal Education.
“I am happy to affirm that they all have exhibited good manners and decorum during their training.
“They have also been groomed in the best ethics and ethos of our noble profession.
“The screening committee of our distinguished body carefully perused the records of each of the aspirants and found them worthy to be presented for the Call to the Nigerian Bar.”
Ciroma said that the school had begun a special remedial course for students from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
“The programme began on June 28, at the Nigerian Law School Headquarters, Bwari, Abuja. We thank all distinguished members of the Body of Benchers, for their support,” he said.
Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, the Chairman, Body of Benchers, congratulated the graduates and charged them to adhere to the provision of rules regarding the profession at all times.
“As a lawyer, you are an officer of the court and accordingly, you are not to do any act or conduct yourselves in a manner that will obstruct or adversely affect the course of justice.
“The practice of Law is not a right but a privilege. It is a privilege that can be lost should you fail to live up to the requisite professional standards imposed upon you by virtue of your entry into the community of lawyers.
“You must, therefore, strictly adhere to the provisions of the Rules of the Professional Conduct and maintain best practices at all times.”
