iDeemlawfulThe Council of Legal Education (CLE) has granted authorization for new law faculties at five higher institutions, increased student intake limits at four existing universities, and penalized three others for procedural breaches.
These resolutions emerged from the Council’s inaugural 2026 quarterly session held Wednesday in Abuja, presided over by Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN.
Following comprehensive facility inspections and accreditation reviews, the Council sanctioned the takeoff of law departments at five schools, assigning each an initial entry limit of 50 students.
The newly authorized institutions include Azman University in Kano, Rayhaan University in Kebbi, Confluence University of Science and Technology in Kogi, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University in Imo, and Ave-Maria University in Nasarawa.
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These permits were issued after the CLE expressed satisfaction regarding infrastructure, personnel strength, and adherence to academic benchmarks.
Furthermore, the CLE ratified upward adjustments for university admission quotas. Bayero University, Kano, received approval for 230 students, while Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, and Madonna University, Okija, were each granted 100 slots. The University of Ilorin’s capacity was expanded to 210 students.
In a firm move against regulatory non-compliance, the Council imposed a two-year suspension on three institutions for launching law curricula without mandatory prior clearance. The sanctioned schools include Clifford University, Owerrinta; Paul University, Awka; and the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti.
Disciplinary actions were also finalized, with the Council endorsing penalties for students implicated in malpractice during the July 2025 Bar Final Resit Examination. Corresponding sanctions were approved for staff members involved in professional misconduct.
The CLE also confirmed several promotions within the Nigerian Law School framework, involving five individuals rising to Director and Deputy Director levels, alongside 34 academic staff and 178 administrative or technical personnel.
This assembly marked the concluding appearance of Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, the outgoing Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, whose eight-year leadership concludes on January 9, 2026.
During a valedictory session, colleagues lauded his “transformative leadership and institutional reforms.” In a farewell gesture, Chiroma established a N5 million endowment for an annual prize benefiting the Best Student in Corporate Law.
The Council officially welcomed Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the incoming Director-General effective January 10, 2026.
Members voiced certainty in her potential to advance reforms and fortify legal training. These decisions highlight the Council’s commitment to expanding educational access while strictly upholding professional standards.