University's law faculty cautions students against premature donning of legal attire ahead of formal induction ceremony

The Council of Legal Education has issued a stern warning to candidates awaiting the Call to the Bar, urging them to refrain from donning barristers' regalia and presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners until they have been formally admitted to the Nigerian Bar.

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This warning was outlined in a notice signed by Aderonke Osho, the Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration, which was released by the Nigerian Law School on Tuesday.

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The Council has observed a concerning trend among candidates, who have been circulating invitations, photographs, and videos of themselves dressed in full legal regalia, including wigs and gowns, and portraying themselves as qualified lawyers on social media platforms.

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Some candidates have taken it a step further, addressing themselves as "Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court" and appending the title "Esquire" to their names, despite not having been officially called to the Bar.

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According to the Council, such actions are in contravention of Section 22 of the Legal Practitioners Act, which governs who is permitted to practise as a legal practitioner in Nigeria.

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The Council has also expressed disapproval of candidates wearing wigs and gowns with casual or non-prescribed clothing, deeming this practice inconsistent with the dignity and decorum of the legal profession.

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This conduct is said to be in violation of Rule 45 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, highlighting the seriousness of the issue at hand.

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The notice from the Council of Legal Education, Nigerian Law School, highlights the rising trend among candidates for Call to the Bar, involving the circulation of invitations, photographs, and videos portraying themselves as qualified legal practitioners on social media.

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The Council has directed all affected candidates to immediately remove any offending posts, photographs, videos, and related content from social media and other online platforms.

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Failure to comply with this directive may result in disciplinary measures and could impact a candidate's eligibility and fitness to be called to the Nigerian Bar.

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Candidates who have breached these rules have been instructed to take down all offending posts, photographs, videos, and related content from social media and online platforms with immediate effect.

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Non-compliance with this directive may lead to disciplinary consequences, which could adversely affect a candidate's eligibility and fitness for Call to the Bar, as stated in the notice.