The newly formed Law Graduates’ Association of Nigeria (LAWGAN) has officially announced its formation with a strong mandate to unite law graduates across Nigeria and abroad, championing their welfare and pushing for critical reforms within Nigeria’s legal education system.
Situated in Ibadan, Oyo State, LAWGAN aims to be the collective voice for law graduates, both those who have been called to the Nigerian Bar and those awaiting their Call to Bar ceremony. The association’s key objectives include fostering collaboration with law firms to facilitate internships and employment, addressing academic backlogs, and advocating for improved infrastructure and support within Nigerian law faculties and the Nigerian Law School.
In a press statement released, LAWGAN highlighted the pressing challenges confronting Nigerian law students and graduates, including inadequate facilities, delayed release of examination results, exorbitant tuition fees, and concerns about security on law school campuses. The group specifically condemned the water scarcity situation at the Port Harcourt Law School campus, demanding immediate action to provide basic amenities for students who have already paid substantial fees.
LAWGAN called on the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Council of Legal Education (CLE), the Nigerian Law School authorities, and other relevant bodies to take decisive steps in upgrading facilities and addressing infrastructural deficits across law faculties and schools nationwide. They also urged a review and reduction of the Nigerian Law School tuition fees in light of Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
To ease the increasing pressure on the legal education system, LAWGAN recommended the establishment of more law faculties and additional law school campuses, proposing a decentralised model akin to international practices, where law faculties operate their own law schools.
The association also condemned the recent abduction of six law students en route to the Yola Law School campus, calling for enhanced security measures across all educational institutions.
Beyond educational reforms, LAWGAN established a free legal service committee to provide pro bono legal assistance to the public. The association also announced plans to establish a law library to improve access to essential legal resources for members.
In broader societal matters, LAWGAN urged the Nigerian government to ensure the protection of human rights, justice, and dignity for all citizens — including advocating for justice in specific cases such as that of airline passenger Madam Comfort Emmanson. They also appealed for prompt appointments of Nigerian ambassadors abroad to safeguard national interests and the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora.
President Kayode Bello expressed optimism about forging productive partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Law School, the Body of Benchers, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the media. He acknowledged their efforts but emphasised that there is still significant room for growth and improvement within Nigeria’s legal education and professional landscape.
“We believe that law graduates who are trained in conducive environments will positively impact the Nigerian legal profession and society at large,” Bello stated.
