We earlier discussed the processes required to become a law graduate and the institutions that train aspiring law graduates. So what is next after a law degree?
Your law degree is almost next to nothing until you attend a Law School. Attending the Nigerian Law School is a prerequisite for being called (a Barrister) to the Nigerian Bar.
The Nigerian Law School serves as a bridge between being a law graduate and becoming a legal practitioner. Before anyone can apply to a law school in Nigeria, they must have met some requirements. These requirements and the selection process shall be discussed in this article.
About the Nigerian Law School
Standing proudly as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s legal education system, the Nigerian Law School represents more than just an educational institution—it embodies the very essence of justice, professionalism, and the transformation of legal minds.
Since its establishment in 1962, this prestigious institution has served as the final crucible where aspiring lawyers are molded into competent legal practitioners, ready to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s justice system and contribute meaningfully to society.
Nigerian Law School Requirements
The Nigerian Law School has some eligibility criteria that must be met by whoever aims to apply to the Nigerian Law School. These criteria include;
- Academic Qualifications: Applicants must possess a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from either a Nigerian institution or a foreign institution. These institutions must be accredited by the Nigerian Council of Legal Education.
- Character Assessment: Applicants must tender a report of good character that affirms them free of all criminal convictions and ethical violations that could impede their legal career.
- Medical Fitness: A medical report certifying the applicant’s health fitness must be submitted to the admission office. One obtained from a government hospital is most preferred.
English Proficiency: All applicants must be proficient in English as the mode of communication in the Nigerian Law School is English.
Nigerian Law School Application Process
The processes for applying to the Nigerian Law School include;
- Registration: The Nigerian Law School does not give room for online registration. All forms must be printed and filled out before submission. Applicants are required to visit The Nigerian Law School’s official website to access forms. There are 5 major categories of forms that must be filled and submitted during or after the admission process, they include;
- Form A: This contains the basic personal information about the applicants. It includes;
- Name of the candidate
- Sex of the candidate
- Date of Birth
- Candidate’s next of kin
- State of Origin
- University
- Class of Degree
- Declaration of no criminal offence
- Home Address
- Form B: Form B, also called the Dean’s form, is specifically for foreign students. It must be filled out and stamped by the dean of the faculty of law in your school. Attached to it should be a copy of your original transcript, which is to be sent from your school directly to the Nigerian Law School.
- Form B1: This form is specifically for employees at private organisations. It is a form that attests to an employer’s permission of the employee to study in the Nigerian Law School. This form is also peculiar to those already working in a particular jurisdiction, say the common law jurisdiction, and who wish to join the Nigerian Legal institution.
- Form B2: This is for civil servants working in any government organisation. It is an assent that the applicant has been released to study at the Nigerian Law School.
- Medical Form: As discussed earlier, the medical form, detailing any medical condition, should be obtained from a public hospital and submitted along with the other forms.
Where to Obtain these Forms
- The General Official Portal: www.nigerianlawschool.edu.ng
- Abuja Campus’ Portal: www.nlsabuja.org/
Lagos Campus Portal: www.lawschoollagos.org/
Nigerian Law School Admission Fees
A non-refundable application fee must be paid through the official portal using Remita or a designated bank.
The amount to be paid varies from campus to campus; hence, it is advisable to confirm the amount from your campus’s portal. Below is the detailed breakdown of the registration fees for the Nigerian Law School as of 2024.
- 5oth Anniversary (Alumni fees) 10,000
- Bar part II application fees 20,000
- Application for Admission to the Remedial Course for non-common Law Graduates 20,000
- School fees
- Bar part I school fees (Nigeria 240,000
- Bar part 1 School fees (foreigner) 1,380,00
- Bar part 11 (Nigerian) 296,000
- Bar part II (foreigner) 1,970,000
- Breakdown of Result 2,500
- Verification of Result 5,000
- Certified True copy Documents 3,000
- Identity card 5,000
- Introduction Letter 5,000
- Loss of certificate 5,000
- Remedial courses
- One paper 50,000
- Two papers and above 90,000
- Resit Examination (Bar II)
- One paper 50,000
- Two papers and above 100,000 + Revision fee 40,000
- Resit Examination (Bar II)
- One paper 50,000
- Two papers and above 90,000
- Revision program 40,000
The Bar Part 1 Program
Having met all admission requirements, the bar part 1 program is the next stage.
The law part 1 program is for all Nigerian Law School students, both law graduates from Nigerian institutions and foreign institutions. However, it is compulsory for foreign students who have bagged their LLB from a country other than Nigeria.
This program is designed to familiarize foreign students with the unique customs of the Nigerian legal system. It takes about 5 months. It is made of 8 compulsory courses, which include;
- Commercial Law
- Criminal Law
- Land Law
- Constitutional Law
- Law of Contract
- Equity and Trust
- Law of Evidence
- Law of Torts
An examination is conducted by the end of the program to test the candidates’ understanding of different aspects of law.
The Bar Part 1 Fees
Bar Part 1 fee varies based on Nigerian or Foreign students. As of 2024, the bar part 1 exam was 250,000 naira for Nigerians and 1,450,000 naira for foreigners. This fee changes over the year; hence, it is important to visit the Nigerian Law School’s official page.
The Bar Part 2
Congratulations! Now that you have successfully passed the bar part 1 exam, you may now proceed to the next and final stage of the Nigerian Law School, the bar part 2. It takes a longer period than the bar part 1, usually a full academic year. The courses offered in this stage are;
- Professional Ethics and Skills
- Drafting
- Advocacy
- Pre-Trial and Trial Advocacy
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
FAQs
- Is NYSC a prerequisite to applying to the Nigerian Law School?
No. NYSC is not a prerequisite to studying at the Nigerian Law School.
- How do I practice law in Nigeria, having bagged an LLB in Canada?
As a foreign law graduate, you can apply to the Nigerian Law School by first taking the bar part 1 exams.
- How much does it cost to study at the Nigerian Law School?
For a reliable and updated requirement fee in the Nigerian Law School, visit the official website.
- How long does it take to study in the Nigerian Law School?
The Nigerian Law School program spans a year.
- When will the application form for the Nigerian Law School be out?
To get first-hand information about the Nigerian Law School, join The Nigerian Legal Network or The Nigerian Law School