In the recently concluded November 2023 bar examination conducted by the Nigerian Law School, a total of 888 candidates failed to pass the final examination, News About Nigeria reports.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, revealed this information during the call-to-bar ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Out of the 5,300 candidates who participated in the examinations, 4,412 candidates were successful, achieving an 83.3% success rate.
According to Prof. Chiroma, 251 candidates excelled by attaining the prestigious first-class grade.
During the ceremony, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, retired Justice Mary Peter-Odili, expressed concern about the current state of the judiciary.
She said that the judiciary is facing challenges such as conflicting judgments and indiscipline among lawyers, leading to a decline in public confidence in the legal system.
To address the issue of conflicting judgments, the Body of Benchers has established a committee comprising prominent members of the legal profession.
Justice Peter-Odili stated that the committee would propose effective solutions, and upon approval, the recommendations would be forwarded to relevant bodies for implementation.
In her address to the newly called lawyers, Justice Peter-Odili urged them to steer clear of corruption and conduct that could tarnish the image of the judiciary.
Peter-Odili said, “You have been called to the Bar in a very important historic period in the legal profession in Nigeria; a period when the good, the bad and the ugly are all operating at the same time.
“The good to the extent that the Supreme Court now has the full compliment of Justices required to man the court.
“The good is to the extent that the welfare of judicial officers is being taken seriously and the Body of Benchers, alongside other relevant bodies, is championing the process.”
Among the distinguished individuals called to the bar was Chief Rotimi Amaechi, the former Governor of Rivers State and immediate past Minister of Transportation.
