The newly sworn-in President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, has announced the formation of the Legal Education Committee to spearhead comprehensive reforms in legal education and training in Nigeria.
In his inaugural speech, Osigwe highlighted the critical role of the Legal Education Committee in formulating and presenting the NBA’s position on the reform and development of legal education in the country. The Committee will be chaired by Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, with Prof. Kamal Dawud serving as the Alternate Chair, Dr. Jonathan Ekperusi as the Secretary, and Dr. Matthew Anusiem as a member.
The Committee will undertake several key initiatives, including driving a proposed review of curricula in Law Faculties of Nigerian Universities and the Nigerian Law School to align them with contemporary developments and international standards. It will also propose criteria for the employment and retraining of law lecturers to ensure the highest standards of teaching and mentorship.
Additionally, the Legal Education Committee will advocate for the improvement of infrastructural conditions in Nigerian Law School campuses, recognizing the importance of a conducive learning environment for students. The Committee will also develop a program to actively involve practicing lawyers in teaching courses at the Nigerian Law School and Faculties of Law, bridging the gap between academia and legal practice.
Furthermore, the Committee will introduce a mentorship scheme for aspirants to the Bar, whereby law students will be assigned to established law firms, starting from their time in the Law Faculties and continuing through their studies at the Law School. This initiative aims to provide students with practical exposure and guidance, aligning with best practices in other developed jurisdictions.
Osigwe also announced that the Legal Education Committee would collaborate with donors to establish an Endowment Fund for Legal Education. This fund will support law teachers in conducting research aimed at advancing the justice sector, promoting constitutionalism in Nigeria, and furthering curriculum and academic development.
By establishing the Legal Education Committee, the NBA President demonstrates his commitment to addressing the challenges facing legal education in Nigeria and driving comprehensive reforms to ensure that the legal profession remains vibrant, relevant, and equipped to meet the evolving needs of society.
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