The Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof Isa Hayatu Chiroma, disclosed on Tuesday that a total of 888 candidates failed the final bar examination conducted in November 2023. Out of the 5,300 candidates that sat for the final examination, only 4,412 were successful, with 251 candidates achieving first-class grades.
Prof Chiroma made this known at the call-to-bar ceremony held in Abuja, stating, “I will be presenting at this call-to-the Bar ceremony a total of 4,412 candidates who were successful at the November 2023 bar final examinations, as well as 14 candidates from previous bar final examinations." He expressed satisfaction with the candidates' performance, noting that the figures translate to an 83.3% success rate at the bar final examinations.
The chairman of the Body of Benchers, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Mary Peter-Odili, described the current period as challenging for the judiciary. She cited dwindling public confidence in the legal system due to incessant conflicting judgments in courts and flagrant indiscipline among lawyers.
Justice Peter-Odili revealed that the Body of Benchers had set up a committee, comprised of ranking members of the profession, to address the issue of conflicting judgments. She stated, “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 urged the new lawyers to avoid all forms of corruption and conduct that could tarnish the image of the judiciary. She also highlighted the positive developments in the judiciary, such as the full complement of justices in the Supreme Court and the increased focus on the welfare of judicial officers.
Among the newly called to the bar was Chief Rotimi Amaechi, a former Governor of Rivers State and immediate past Minister of Transportation.