The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), through its Institute of Continuing Legal Education (NBA-ICLE), has officially accredited 50 branches across the country to serve as Continuing Legal Education (CLE) service providers.
This milestone reflects a major step toward decentralizing access to professional development for legal practitioners. By empowering local branches, the initiative enables lawyers—especially young and regional practitioners—to access high-quality CLE programs without the financial burden of travel and steep registration fees.
With this accreditation, NBA branches can now organize Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-compliant events that contribute to members’ annual CLE point requirements. This move delivers multiple benefits, including:
- Greater access to training programs within local jurisdictions
- Reduced participation costs for lawyers
- Increased engagement from younger members of the Bar
- CLE topics tailored to address regional legal issues
Spearheaded by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and the NBA-ICLE, the initiative highlights the current administration’s commitment to inclusivity, affordability, and capacity-building at the grassroots level.
“This is a transformative moment,” an NBA-ICLE official noted. “The future of legal excellence lies not just in national programs, but in localized, consistent professional learning.”
Lawyers are encouraged to connect with their local branch CLE coordinators to take full advantage of the new system. Branch executives are also urged to seize the opportunity to design relevant programs and host experienced legal educators to elevate the standard of legal practice within their regions.
Branches that are not yet accredited are encouraged to apply for NBA-ICLE approval to ensure their members benefit from the expanding CLE framework.
The 50 NBA branches accredited as CLE service providers include:
Lagos, Ikeja, Ijebu Ode, Isiokpo, Ado Ekiti, Jos, Ilorin, Enugu, Eti-Osa, Warri, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Abuja, Asaba, Gboko, Ikorodu, Obollo Afor, Dutse, Akure, Kaduna, Sokoto, Gwagwalada, Garki, Maiduguri, Ughelli, Yenagoa, Minna, Awka, Badagry, Calabar, Ikare Akoko, Makurdi, Ondo, Owerri, Udu, Yola, Epe, Osogbo, Idah, Iwo, Bori, Idemili, Afikpo, Ilaro, Sagbama, Jalingo, Birnin Kebbi, Ilesa, Effurun (Awka is listed twice, as acknowledged).
For more information:
www.nbaicle.org
icle@nigerianbar.org.ng
