To become a practicing attorney in Nigeria, one must pass the Bar exam. At Nigerian Law School we offer courses in criminal and civil litigation, property law and corporate law as well as providing a vibrant social environment to develop students’ interactive skills.
UNESCO recently hosted workshops aimed at creating a curriculum for Nigerian law faculties and the Nigerian Law School that will educate judicial actors on freedom of expression, access to information and journalist safety.
Nigerian Law School
The Nigerian Law School is an acclaimed legal institution that offers training for aspiring lawyers. Recognized across Africa as a premier law school, its graduates have made notable strides toward using law as an agent of change; many students have gone on to become successful attorneys or judges themselves! Situated in Bwari, Abuja.
In 1962, this school was established to train aspiring legal practitioners to practice Nigerian law. Prior to this establishment, all legal practitioners were trained in England and called to the English Bar; however, none received training on Nigerian customary laws or systems of legal precedent that were foreign to them.
The Nigerian Law School has since evolved from its original single campus in Lagos into a multi-campus network centered in Abuja with two additional campuses located in Yenagoa (Bayelsa State) and Yola (Adamawa State). Offering one year courses with over 180,000 graduates to date and recognized faculty with engaging curriculums.
University of Lagos
University of Lagos (UNILAG), situated in Lagos’ bustling metropolis, is one of Nigeria’s prestigious tertiary institutions. Over its long history it has produced notable politicians, professionals and academics from Nigeria; its campus also serves as a center of culture and learning with numerous clubs and events that give students an immersive experience into Nigerian society.
Law students enrolled at this school are offered the unique experience of studying at its main campus located at the heart of Mainland Lagos on 802 acres surrounded by lush green lawns and offering breathtaking views of Lagos lagoon. Furthermore, this university features many amenities like taxis, internet cafes, restaurants and provision stores – perfect for any student enrolled.
Fola David, a medical doctor and visual artist; Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, an activist in women’s rights issues; Nigerian musician eLDee (musician, rapper, actor); Laycon (Rapper/singer winner of Big Brother Naija Season 5); as well as Kaycee Madu (businessman/politician); Toke Makinwa (radio and television personality). These are among the notable alumni from the University of Lagos.
University of Port Harcourt
The University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria is a law school known for offering various programs. Committed to research, its graduates include former President Goodluck Jonathan as well as many members of the Nigerian Senate. Furthermore, its Donald Ekong Library houses an impressive collection of books and journals available for research.
Prior to the establishment of the Nigerian Law School, legal practitioners in Nigeria were trained abroad without taking into account how Nigeria’s legal system combined customary law and statutes; nor did their training account for Barristers and Solicitors being different professionals.
The Nigerian Law School was established in 1962 to educate Nigerian lawyers and improve legal practice across Nigeria. It offers courses on criminal, civil, property law and ethics.
University of Benin
The University of Benin is an esteemed institute of higher learning that provides an array of courses. With its main campus located in Benin City, Edo State and students coming from all across Nigeria studying there. Furthermore, this university is well known for its research efforts and worldwide collaborations.
UNIBEN boasts an extensive alumni roster in politics, business and law – most notably Adams Oshiomhole as former governor of Edo State and Patrick Obahiagbon as Speaker of the House of Representatives – both alumni of UNIBEN.
Nigeria, following its independence, required legal education that better fit with its culture and laws. Prior to the creation of the Nigerian Law School in 1958, most legal practitioners received their training at England’s Bar, without consideration given for customary laws and statutes of Nigeria, nor practical skills training – an unacceptable situation that resulted in the Unsworth Committee being formed that same year.
