CLE Approves Law Faculties In Five New Universities, Records 260 First Class At Nigerian Law School

The Council of Legal Education (CLE) has approved the establishment of law faculties in five new universities across Nigeria.

The announcement followed the council’s second quarterly meeting. The meeting held on April 17, 2025, at the Nigerian Law School headquarters in Bwari, Abuja.

Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), Chairman of the CLE, presided over the meeting. The council approved that each institution may admit up to 50 students for the 2024/2025 academic session.

The universities include Nigerian British University, Abia State; Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa. Others are Modibbo Adama University, Yola; Prime University, Kuje; and Margaret Lawrence University, Abuja.

Speaking after the meeting, CLE member Sarah Umoru said, “This is a positive step toward widening access to legal education nationwide.”

The approvals followed inspection visits led by the Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), and his team.

“We’re satisfied that the approved universities meet the minimum requirements to start law programmes,” Prof. Chiroma said.

The council also increased the law admission quota at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from 220 to 250 students per year.

In another development, CLE released the results of the 2024 Bar Final Examinations with an 84 percent overall pass rate.

Out of 7,134 candidates, 260 earned First Class Honours, while 1,193 achieved Second Class Upper Division. Another 2,638 earned Second Class Lower.

An additional 1,595 students passed, 327 received Conditional Passes, 940 failed, and 181 candidates were absent.

“This result reflects the resilience of our students and the quality of training at the Nigerian Law School,” CLE spokesperson Amina Bello noted.

The CLE reaffirmed its commitment to improving legal education and maintaining high standards for law training across Nigeria.