The Body of Benchers has formally called 4,437 new lawyers to the Nigerian Bar at ceremonies held on September 23, 24, and 25, 2025, at its headquarters in Abuja.
The new entrants comprise 4,429 candidates who were successful in the February 2025 Bar Final Examinations of the Nigerian Law School, alongside eight others from previous examinations.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, Life Bencher, presented the candidates to the Body of Benchers, certifying them as fit and proper in learning and character in accordance with the Legal Education Act.
The ceremonies were presided over by the Chairman of the Body of Benchers and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON. In his address, Justice Ariwoola charged the new lawyers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and service in their professional duties. He reminded them that, as ministers in the temple of justice, they must “serve Nigeria and serve humanity in justice, without fear or favour, affection or ill will.”
Among the highlights of the ceremonies was the recognition of Benedict Ater, a Benue-born graduate of the Faculty of Law, Benue State University (now Father Adasu University, Makurdi). Ater, who earned a first-class degree both at the university and at the Nigerian Law School, emerged as the overall best graduating student from the February 2025 set.
The three-day event reaffirmed the Body of Benchers’ role in safeguarding professional standards and promoting excellence in Nigeria’s legal education system.
