29 bag 1st Class at August 2017 law exams – DG

The Nigerian Law School on Tuesday said 29 out
of the 4,294 candidates called to the Nigerian Bar
bagged First Class after the August 2017 bar
examinations.
The Director-General of the school, Mr Olanrewaju
Onadeku (SAN) disclosed this at the Call-to-Bar
ceremony in Abuja.
Onadeku said the students were those successful
at the August 2017 Bar final examinations and
others from previous examinations as conducted
by the school under the supervision of the
Council of Legal Education.
He said the 29 students were produced by the
University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka,
University of Uyo, Obafemi Awolowo University,
Babcock University, University of Ibadan and Osun
State University.
According to him, others are from University of
Ilorin, Lagos State University, Ambrose Alli
University, Afe Babalola University, Adekunle
Ajasin University and Igbinedion University.
“I particularly commend the 29 students; theirs is
the highest number ever attained.
“They have worked hard to merit their grades
after a very thorough assessment and have done
the Nigerian Law school and their families proud.”
Onadeku disclosed that 72 per cent success was
achieved after the August examination as 211
obtained the second class upper grade, 1,046
made second class lower division and 3, 000 got
the pass grade.
He said that there had been a sustained level of
focus and diligence among the students whom he
noted had demonstrated a commendable sense of
maturity and drive, adding that some were
involved in various forms of examination
malpractices.
The Director-General, while congratulating the
newly called to lawyers, also urged them to make
the best of the legal profession.
“Since it is your freewill to belong to the noble
profession of law, you must ensure strict
adherence to its norms and ethics.
“As you are aware, globalisation has impacted on
the legal profession with the challenge of bench
marking on minimum international best practices.
“You must ensure you exceed the minimum in all
that you do. ”
Onadeku also noted that the successful students
had completed the vocational training at the
school as prescribed by the Legal Education Act.
According to him, they have also met all other
conditions set by the Council, while also
exhibiting good manners and decorum during their
training.
“They have also been groomed in the best ethics
and ethos of our noble profession.
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“The screening committee of your distinguished
body has carefully perused the records of each of
the aspirants and have found them worthy to be
presented for Call to the Nigerian Bar.
“I attest that they are fit and proper persons for
Call and admissions to the Nigerian Bar,” he said.
In his address, the Chairman of the Body of
Benchers and also Chief Justice of Nigeria,
Justice Walter Onnoghen, charged the candidates
to practice the profession with diligence and
sense of responsibility.
He charged them to promote the course of justice
and rule of law, adding that their level of
proficiency was of immense significance to the
efficiency of the justice system of the country.
“I urge you to acquaint yourselves with the
provisions of the Administration of Criminal
Justice Act and all other relevant laws as far as
administering justice is concerned.
“You must not handle a matter without adequate
preparation, neither should you handle a matter,
which you know or ought to know that you not
competent enough to handle.
“It is advisable to consult your seniors or
colleagues in areas you know you are not well
groomed, ” he said.
Onnoghen said that the Body of Benchers, whose
role also includes disciplinary committee, would
not hesitate to bring to order any erring
practitioner whose conduct might negate the
standards of the profession.
The Nigerian Law School has to date graduated
117, 385 lawyers including all the judges of the
superior courts of the country and almost all the
legal practitioners.
The event was attended by past and present Body
of Benchers, Attorney-General of the Federation,
past Directors-General of the school.
Others are members of the National Assembly,
some ministers, traditional rulers and other
stakeholders in the Judiciary sector.
NAN