NBA Proposes To Make Law A Second Degree Course In Varsities

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has proposed
to make the study of law a second-degree course
in Nigerian Universities.
In a statement signed by the NBA secretary,
Isiaka Olagunju, the development is to raise the
bar for Nigerian lawyers and to find a lasting
solution to the seemingly low standard of legal
profession in the country.

To this effect, a 23-man committee has been
inaugurated by the NBA president, Abubakar
Mahmud, SAN and chaired by Chief Anthony
Idigbe, SAN, while Dr Aminu Gamawa is the
secretary.
He noted that the idea is still an agenda for the
committee, he said the committee would look at
the current size of the legal profession and its
exponential growth in recent years in relation to
the needs of the Nigerian economy. Also the
committee will consider the desirability of
candidates seeking admission to the law faculties
in Nigeria to possess a degree in another
discipline as a condition for admission.
The agenda reads in part “Review the current
regulatory objectives and the regulatory
architecture of the legal profession and advise on
its suitability to meet the current requirements for
a robust, responsive and independent modern
legal profession in Nigeria.’’
He added that the Nigerian Bar Association has
repeatedly expressed concerns in the falling
standard of legal education and legal practice, he
described it as a disturbing phenomenon that
must be addressed urgently and adequately.