The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for urgent and increased investment in legal education across Nigeria’s institutions.
This call was made during the NBA Legal Education Committee’s inaugural Regional Townhall Workshop on Legal Education in Owerri.
The event, held at Imo State University, drew over 300 participants, including students, lecturers, and legal professionals from the Southeast region.
Presentations on the state of legal education came from four universities, including Abia State University and Enugu State University.
The Legal Education Committee (NBA-LEC) was inaugurated by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe to improve legal training in Nigeria.
Professor Damilola Olawuyi (SAN), who chairs the NBA-LEC, emphasized that legal education must meet global standards and modern challenges.
He highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, including ICT centers and digital law libraries in Nigerian law faculties.
Olawuyi said investment in digital tools is vital to train lawyers with skills in entrepreneurship, technology, and project management.
He added that relying only on government or NBA efforts is insufficient, urging stakeholders to support their alma maters directly.
The Vice Chancellor of IMSU, Prof. U.U. Chukwumaeze (SAN), called on all legal sector actors, including NBA, to provide resources.
He stressed that materials and tools for legal education should be widely accessible across all institutions to raise teaching standards.
Prof. Chimezie Okorie (SAN), chairman of the Workshop Series Subcommittee, said NBA must build bridges between education and the profession.
Roundtable discussions revealed serious concerns about declining legal standards due to weak infrastructure and poor teacher remuneration.
Law faculties also reported excessive workloads and limited access to international legal knowledge due to underfunding.
However, some schools shared success stories, including digital library upgrades through support from lawyers and alumni.
The Workshop urged implementation of the NBA Legal Education Endowment Fund to support infrastructure and innovation.
Participants called on law firms, companies, and institutions to contribute to the fund for sustainable legal education improvements.
The event closed with recommendations for joint NBA-faculty research and subsidized academic conferences to promote practical legal training.
Legal education, the NBA noted, must adapt quickly to prepare lawyers for Nigeria’s evolving justice system and global legal landscape.
