In a vibrant ceremony at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja, 4,437 aspiring lawyers were officially admitted to the Nigerian Bar, stepping into the nation’s legal fraternity.
The event, presided over by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and current Chairman of the Body of Benchers (BoB), underscored the noble calling of the legal profession while issuing stern reminders on integrity, discipline, and professional growth. Of the new inductees, 4,429 successfully completed the June 2025 Bar Final Examinations, with eight hailing from prior sessions.
The Call to Bar, a tradition spanning September 23 to 25, 2025, drew thousands, including proud parents, guardians, legal luminaries, and dignitaries. Justice Ariwoola, invoking Section 3(1) of the Legal Practitioners Act, formally admitted the cohort, declaring them “fit and proper persons” after rigorous screening by the Body of Benchers.
“You have achieved a great feat and deserve all the accolades,” he proclaimed, urging the new wigs to express gratitude to God for the perseverance that led them to this “finish line.” He extended hearty felicitations to families, acknowledging their sacrifices: “As you witness this ceremony today, I can imagine your joy and happiness that all your labor… did not go in vain. Glory be to God.”
Justice Ariwoola, whose tenure as CJN from 2022 to 2024 left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s judiciary, emphasized the profession’s unparalleled status as “the only learned profession acclaimed for its sanctity, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.” He called on the inductees to join the “lineage of ministers in the temple of justice” by demonstrating unwavering professional ethics and decorum. “From this day forward, we all have become learned colleagues,” he noted, reminding them of their collective duty to preserve the Bar’s core values against all odds.
As barristers and solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the new lawyers now hold the privilege to practice before any court, from magistrate courts to the apex bench. However, Ariwoola issued a mandatory directive: immediate enrollment at the Supreme Court to enter their names in the Roll of Lawyers. He also delivered a pointed advisory against rushing into independent practice.
“I strongly advise you to resist the temptation of establishing a law office immediately,” he cautioned, advocating for a pupillage period under seasoned seniors. “No matter how old you are… as far as the legal profession is concerned, you are a young lawyer.”
This mentorship tradition, he explained, bridges the “wide gap between academics and practice” and has benefited even the most accomplished lawyers, including himself. Ariwoola spotlighted ongoing initiatives like the Body of Benchers’ mentorship program, which includes laudable proposals for comprehensive grooming of mentees. Details are slated for publication soon. He also encouraged participation in the Young Lawyers Forum for networking and acquaintance with the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) for Legal Practitioners in Nigeria, copies of which were provided to attendees.
Drawing from the RPC, Justice Ariwoola outlined foundational principles to guide the new entrants:
Rule 1: Uphold the rule of law, foster justice, maintain high professional standards, and avoid unbecoming conduct. “This rule… should operate as your guiding principle,” he stressed.
Rule 9: Pay annual practicing fees by March 31; defaulting prohibits signing legal documents.
Client Privileges and Duties: Treat client communications as confidential, avoid exploiting trust for personal gain, and promptly account for funds—never commingling them with personal accounts. Breaches could invite sanctions from the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
Inter-Professional and Court Relations: Treat colleagues with respect (reciprocal and seniority-aware), remain impartial despite client rivalries, and act as officers of the court without obstructing justice. Relationships with judges must eschew favoritism to preserve integrity.
Reputation as Paramount Asset: “The greatest asset of a lawyer is his reputation… Your word remains your bond.”
Non-compliance, he warned, erodes the profession’s honor and invites discipline. “The practice of law is a privilege, not a right. You must be honest, diligent, and devoted to justice at all times. Any act of indiscipline or professional misconduct will not be condoned.”
The ceremony concluded with a collective pledge by the inductees:
“I pledge to commit myself as a legal practitioner… to serve Nigeria and serve humanity in justice without fear or favor, affection or ill will. So help me God.”
Ariwoola lauded the Body of Benchers for its distinguished role in upholding legal values, thanking its members, management, and staff. He extended kudos to the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Law School for their “center of excellence” status, producing globally competitive lawyers through rigorous one-year Bar Part II training. “We are proud to note that our lawyers can compare globally in view of the quality of teaching being administered.”
In a light-hearted aside, the former CJN felicitated the Class of 1985 on their 40th anniversary at the Bar. The event also featured a special appeal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a Life Bencher and parent of an inductee, for enhanced access roads to the venue met with applause.
This cohort joins a profession navigating evolving challenges, from digital justice to ethical dilemmas in a dynamic society. As Nigeria’s legal fraternity grows evidenced by record calls like 5,734 in July 2025 Ariwoola’s words serve as a timeless blueprint for excellence. The new wigs, now “ministers in the temple of justice,” step into a legacy demanding wisdom, grace, and unyielding commitment. As he prayed, may “the Almighty God in His infinite mercies… grant you the wisdom and grace to succeed.”
