The Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Professor Isa Chiroma has restated the body’s commitment to zero tolerance to examination malpractices.
Chiroma disclosed this on Thursday during an investigative hearing in Abuja, held by the House Committee on Justice, chaired by Hon. Olumide Osoba, which focused on concerns related to the alleged withholding of Bar exam results and the backlog of students awaiting their Call to the Bar.
The hearing followed a peaceful protest by hundreds of law graduates outside the National Assembly, demanding the release of their results.
Professor Chiroma, however, rejected the petition and dismissed the claims that results were being unfairly withheld.
He noted that the Law School employs stringent measures to prevent cheating, including the installation of CCTV cameras in all examination halls in Abuja to monitor students during the exams.
Emphasising that the Body of Benchers, not the Law School, holds the authority to determine who qualifies for Call to the Bar, Professor Chiroma stated that those who fail the examinations cannot be called to the Bar. He further presented visual evidence showing that some students engaged in inappropriate conduct, including writing on their bodies during exams.
Chiroma lightened the atmosphere by joking with Hon. Osoba and other committee members, saying, “Chairman, I hope you’re not fasting today?” before continuing with his explanation of the Law School’s examination process.
He maintained that the Law School follows a structured and transparent system, in which any incident of exam malpractice is carefully investigated.
“When a student is caught with unauthorized materials or a mobile phone during an exam, both of which are strict liability offenses, the student is brought before a management committee, given the opportunity to defend themselves, and the case is reviewed before a final decision is made.”
He elaborated on the Law School’s operational calendar, noting that the institution adheres to a set timetable that includes admission deadlines, lecture periods, internship schedules, and exam dates.
“Once exams are graded, the results are reviewed by a Board of Examiners, passed to the Board of Studies, and then presented to the Committee of Council for approval. Once the Council approves the results, they are immediately posted on the school’s portal.
Chiroma dismissed the notion of deliberately withholding results, asserting that the only time results are not released is when there is evidence of malpractice.
Speaking in res[onse tpo a question on the Call to Bar process, Chiroma clarified that it’s not the responsibility of the Law School but rather falls under the jurisdiction of the Body of Benchers.
He explained that the Body of Benchers has long established the dates for the Call to Bar ceremonies, which take place annually in July and November.
“For those who pass their exams, the upcoming Call to Bar will occur from July 8 to 10, while those who have a backlog will be called in November from the 18th to the 20th.”
Hon. Osoba, in his response, expressed satisfaction with the Law School’s efforts, particularly the installation of CCTV cameras in the examination halls.
Osoba also called for an increase in the budget to expand the CCTV network to other Law Schools across Nigeria.
He Praised the Law School’s commitment to transparency, and commended the management for presenting solid visual evidence of exam malpractice, which the committee reviewed.
Hon. Osoba concluded by stating that the committee would soon undertake an oversight visit to all Law Schools across the country to assess infrastructure and ensure that similar anti-malpractice measures are in place nationwide.
