The Nigerian Law School has called one thousand and ninety-seven new wigs into the law profession.
Out of this number, twelve were from the previous call.
Addressing the new lawyers, the Chairman Body of Benchers and retired Supreme Court Justice, Mary Odili urged them to adhere strictly to the stipulated rules at all times, while acquainting the rules of the professional conduct.
Justice Odili informed them that as lawyers, they are positioned “not just random acts of service, but world – service, life – changing and even view – shaping service”, adding that, they have the capacity to change the world.
She charged them not to consider their law degrees as pieces of documents to be hanged on the wall, but credentials to be used as sword to fight against injustice.
“Fight for what is right and for who cannot fend for their own right. These (credentials) are shields that you can raise up to protect the innocent and uphold the rule of law.”
Retired justice Odili told the new wigs to apply talent as lawyers, act with utmost professionalism and wisdom as their professional actions and inactions, affects lives of their clients.
She reminded them that the Body of Benchers in addition to having the powers to admit them into the legal profession also has the power to discipline them whenever they are in breach of rules of the profession.
Retired justice Odili also urged the new wigs to respect their seniors, adhere to decent dress code and harness the technology of the social media positively which will not bring the legal profession to disrepute.
Also speaking, the Director General, Nigerian Law School, Professor Isa Hayatu said the school in about SIXTY years of existence, had uninterrupted sessions and free from any industrial disputes.
He noted that, the school has grown to a seven-campus institution spread across Nigeria, “with a yearly intake of well over seven thousand students”.
Some of the new lawyers who spoke in an interview Miss Farida Bello and Okehe Okanwa, promised to uphold the profession in defense of the rule of law and justice.
Also, a parent, Rt. Revered Godson Okanwa who Congratulated the new wigs urged them to put the fear of God in the law profession.
