4,437 New Lawyers Called To Bar, Ariwoola Warns Against Professional Misconduct

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has urged newly called lawyers to demonstrate the highest level of professional ethics, warning that the Bar will not tolerate misconduct or dishonourable practices.

Speaking at the 2025 Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja, Justice Ariwoola reminded the new wigs that their admission into the legal profession was a call to integrity, service and discipline.

Ariwooala warned that while the Call to Bar was a moment of celebration, it also imposed a lifelong responsibility to uphold the rule of law.

“You must go forth in your new wigs from this day forward to serve Nigeria and humanity in justice, without fear or favour, affection or ill will,” he said.

“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,” Ariwoola added.

He further charged the new lawyers to protect the nobility of the profession, stressing that society holds lawyers to a higher standard.

“Our noble profession is built on honour. It is your duty to preserve it. Do not undermine the confidence reposed in you by the public,” he added.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, presented the 4,437 successful candidates for admission, affirming that they had been trained in both learning and character.

He disclosed that 4,429 of them passed the June 2025 Bar Final Examinations, while eight were from previous sessions.

Chiroma gave a detailed breakdown of the results, noting that 72 candidates graduated with First Class, 608 with Second Class Upper, 2,098 with Second Class Lower, while 1,651 finished with a Pass.

He also highlighted the role of the Law School in producing judges, attorneys-general, law officers, and legal practitioners who have distinguished themselves nationally and internationally.

The DG reaffirmed the commitment of the institution towards raising highly qualified lawyers.

“Together with our staff, we have closely monitored these aspirants. I attest that they are men and women of learning and character, and are fit and proper to be admitted to the Nigerian Bar,” he said.