Nigerian Law School 2024 Review (Complete Student Guide)

The Nigerian Law School is an educational institution in Nigeria responsible for the professional training of individuals aspiring to become legal practitioners in the country.

Here are some key points about the Nigerian Law School:

Establishment: The Nigerian Law School was established in 1962 and is operated by the Council of Legal Education, which is a body created by the Legal Education Act.
Objective: The primary objective of the Nigerian Law School is to provide a practical legal education to individuals who have completed a law degree program at a recognized university. It serves as the final stage in the formal education of legal practitioners in Nigeria.
Locations: The Nigerian Law School has several campuses across the country. As of my last update, these campuses include Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Enugu. Each campus is responsible for training aspiring lawyers in its designated region.
Programs: The Law School offers the Bar Part I and Bar Part II programs. The Bar Part I program involves academic instruction, while the Bar Part II program focuses on vocational training and professional skills.
Bar Part II (Vocational Training): This stage involves the practical aspect of legal education and includes skills training in areas such as advocacy, legal drafting, conveyancing, and ethics. Successful completion of Bar Part II is a prerequisite for being called to the Nigerian Bar.
Bar Final Examinations: Students must pass the Bar Final Examinations to qualify for the call to the Bar. The examinations test both academic knowledge and practical skills.
Call to the Bar: Upon successful completion of the Bar Final Examinations, candidates are eligible to be called to the Nigerian Bar. This is a formal ceremony during which individuals take the Oath of Allegiance and are officially recognized as legal practitioners in Nigeria.
Professional Ethics: The Nigerian Law School places a strong emphasis on professional ethics and integrity, instilling in students the importance of upholding the highest standards of legal practice.
Continuing Legal Education: The Law School is also involved in providing continuing legal education for legal practitioners to ensure that they stay updated on changes in the legal profession.

Table of Contents

Getting Started with the School

In the pursuit of joining the esteemed ranks of legal professionals in Nigeria, the culmination of my undergraduate studies marked a momentous step. Graduating from the university felt like reaching the pinnacle of my journey towards becoming a lawyer, bringing immense joy and a sense of accomplishment. However, the realization soon dawned that the path to legal practice extended beyond the university gates — it led to the Nigerian Law School.

The Nigerian Law School Programs

Bar Part I

The Bar Part I program is open to graduates of law from foreign countries, especially those from common law jurisdictions. Candidates must hold a qualifying certification from a university approved by the Council of Legal Education. Courses include Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Legal System, and Nigerian Land Law.

Bar Part II

This program is designed for both Nigerian and foreign students who have passed the Bar Part I examination. Courses in Bar Part II encompass Criminal Litigation, Civil Litigation, Property Law Practice, Corporate Law Practice, and Law in Practice. Successful candidates are subsequently called to the bar by the Body of Benchers and enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Nigerian Law School Campuses

The Nigerian Law School operates on six campuses across the country:

Abuja Campus
Lagos Campus
Bayelsa Campus
Kano Campus
Yola Campus
Enugu Campus

While discussions about the “best” campus persist, the key to success lies in the attitude and dedication of the students. The excellence of a student shines through, regardless of the campus.

Duration and Degree

The law school program spans one year, culminating in examinations and the award of a Bachelor of Laws (BL) degree. This degree grants individuals the license to practice law in any Nigerian court.

Debunking Myths about the Nigerian Law School

Myth 1: The Curriculum is Overwhelming

The curriculum is indeed extensive, but with smart work and proper time management, it becomes manageable. The key is to balance tasks effectively.

Myth 2: First-Class is Exclusive

Contrary to popular belief, achieving a First Class is attainable for anyone willing to work smart. Hard work, consistent study habits, and seeking guidance from experienced lawyers can make a significant difference.

Myth 3: Campus Choice Determines Success

Success in the legal profession is not determined by the campus attended. Every campus boasts capable lecturers and the real measure of success is the individual student’s commitment and diligence.

Myth 4: Buying Many Books is Essential

While having reference materials is helpful, the emphasis should be on authoritative texts. Strategic purchasing and focusing on relevant laws and rules yield better results.

Myth 5: Exhaustion Equals Success

Working smart is more effective than working until exhaustion. Success in law school requires a balanced approach that includes proper rest.

Myth 6: No Time for Anything Else

Law school is demanding, but it allows for a balanced life. Smart planning and time management enable students to engage in other activities, including personal care.

Myth 7: Expensive Education

The perception of expense is relative. Smart spending and prioritizing necessities over luxuries can make legal education more affordable.

Embracing the Nigerian Law School Experience

The Nigerian Law School is not an adversary but a crucial component of the journey toward becoming a lawyer. By understanding its history, objectives, and programs, aspiring legal professionals can navigate its challenges and emerge ready to contribute meaningfully to the legal landscape in Nigeria. Fear not the Law School; instead, view it as the final polishing that transforms a law graduate into a seasoned legal practitioner.

Past Questions and Answers for Law Students in Nigeria

While the use of past questions and answers is a matter of personal choice, many law students find them beneficial for several reasons:

Familiarity with Exam Format: Past questions provide insight into the structure and format of exams. This familiarity helps students understand the types of questions that may be asked and how they should structure their responses.
Identifying Important Topics: Analyzing past questions helps students identify recurring themes or topics that frequently appear in exams. This knowledge allows them to prioritize their study efforts on areas that are more likely to be examined.
Practice and Time Management: Working through past questions under timed conditions helps students practice effective time management during exams. This is crucial, especially in situations where exams have time constraints.
Understanding Examiner’s Style: Each examiner may have a unique style of setting questions. Reviewing past questions from a specific examiner can provide insights into their preferences, focus areas, and expectations.
Testing Knowledge Retention: Past questions serve as a tool for testing how well students have retained and can apply the knowledge they’ve gained throughout their coursework.
Building Confidence: Successfully answering past questions can boost a student’s confidence. It validates their understanding of the subject matter and their ability to tackle similar questions in the actual exam.
Strategic Preparation: Past questions aid in strategic preparation by allowing students to tailor their study plans based on the specific requirements of their exams. This focused approach can enhance overall readiness.
Feedback Loop: Going through past questions and comparing answers with model solutions or feedback helps students identify areas of improvement. This feedback loop contributes to ongoing learning and enhancement of exam-taking skills.

However, it’s important to note that relying solely on past questions may have limitations. Students should also engage in a comprehensive study, understand underlying principles, and be adaptable to handle unexpected variations in exam formats.

Balancing the use of past questions with a broader understanding of the subject matter contributes to a more well-rounded preparation for your law exams in Nigeria and beyond.

How to Download Nigerian Law School Past Questions and Answers ( in PDF)

To prepare for your compulsory law school experience in Nigeria, you can simply download past questions and answers in PDF from the three top sources below:

NB: The sources above are external links from Jobreaders website and this content may be free or premium, depending on when you are accessing the pages. You can also refer to the terms and conditions of using this website and do well to leave a comment if you need more guides regarding this topic: past questions and answers for Nigerian law school students.

FAQ

How much is the tuition fee for law school in Nigeria?

The Nigerian Law School has recently raised its tuition fee to around N476,000, citing economic challenges. This substantial increase was communicated through a circular to students admitted to the Law School in Abuja for the previous session.

How many years is Nigeria law school?

The legal education in Nigeria spans five years. The undergraduate curriculum mandates law students to undergo a comprehensive 5-year course, encompassing the study of 12 compulsory core law courses.

These course years cover pieces of knowledge such as Legal Methods, Nigerian Legal System, Contract Law, Constitutional Law, Company Law, Law of Torts, Commercial Law, Law of Equity and Trusts, Criminal Law, Land Law, and Law of Evidence, among others.

What qualification do you get from Nigerian law school?

The formal admission of successful students from the Nigerian Law School to the Nigerian legal profession is overseen by the Body of Benchers.

Additionally, the Body of Benchers issues a ‘Certificate of Call to the Bar,’ a qualification that enables an individual to be enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria as both a barrister and solicitor.

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Do lawyers go for NYSC?

Yes, lawyers in Nigeria are required to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The process to become a lawyer involves a total of 7 years of study.

After spending 5 years in a Nigerian university studying law, graduates are then required to dedicate 1 year to national service through the NYSC.

Following the completion of the NYSC program, aspiring lawyers proceed to the Nigerian Law School for an additional year, culminating in a total of 7 years of education and training to practice law in Nigeria.

How many campuses does Nigerian law school have?

The establishment of 7 new campuses for the Nigerian Law School with its recent approval, brings the total number of Nigerian Law School campuses to 14, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. These campuses are distributed across the six geopolitical zones of the country, supplementing the existing seven.

Which type of Law course is best?

When it comes to the best law degrees, the current trending options include BA LLB (Hons.), BBA LLB (Hons.), and LLB (Hons.).

What are the courses taught in Nigerian law schools?

Here are the top law courses taught in Nigerian Law Schools:

Criminal Litigation.
Civil Litigation.
Corporate Law Practice.
Property Law Practice.