1,785 new lawyers called to bar

 

The Body of Benchers on Tuesday called a total of 1, 785 successful graduates of the Nigerian Law School to the Nigerian bar.

The event took place at the Eagle’ s Square in Abuja with parents , guardians , and well- wishers barred from entering the venue .

The Body of Benchers had announced earlier that only the candidates would be allowed to enter the venue to enhance compliance with COVID - 19 protocols.

Speaking at the event , the Director-General , Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu ( SAN) , said a total of 2, 515 students sat the final bar examinations in January this year , but only 1, 779 were successful.

He said 736 of the students failed.

According to him , while five of the candidates made First Class , 76 made Second Class Upper , 633 graduated with Second Class Lower Division, while 1, 065 came out with a pass.

“ I am happy to affirm that they all exhibited good manners and decorum during their training. They have also been groomed in the best ethics and ethos of our noble profession , ” he said .

In his remarks, the Chairman , Body of Benchers, Onueze C Okocha ( SAN) , charged the new lawyers to be of good character and uphold honesty and integrity, which he described as the hallmark of the legal profession .

He said , “ In all that you do while in practice, commit yourselves to upholding the rule of law and pursuit for justice . As legal practitioners , we are all bound to observe and uphold the rules of professional conduct in the legal profession. ”