By Our Correspondent
National News – The Council of Legal Education has released an updated list of 114 universities approved to run law programmes in Nigeria, warning institutions operating unapproved programmes to stop immediately or face sanctions.
The council stressed that only graduates from these recognised universities will be eligible for admission into the Nigerian Law School.
In a circular signed by the council’s Secretary and Director of Administration, Aderonke Osho, the regulatory body clarified that universities admitting students into law programmes without proper approval violate the rules guiding legal education in Nigeria.
According to the council, such students risk being denied entry into the professional training programme required to practise law in the country.
The announcement follows growing concerns over universities allegedly offering unauthorised LL.B degrees.
The council reiterated that strict monitoring will continue to ensure institutions comply with the provisions of the Legal Education Act, which regulates legal training nationwide.
Among the major institutions approved to run law programmes are leading federal universities such as University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University and University of Ilorin.
Other approved institutions include Lagos State University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Benin and University of Port Harcourt.
Several private universities also made the list, including Afe Babalola University, Babcock University, Bowen University, Redeemer’s University and Veritas University.
However, the council revealed that some institutions currently face temporary moratoriums on law admissions.
For example, Baze University has a three-year admission suspension from the 2023/2024 to the 2025/2026 academic session.
Likewise, Lead City University has a five-year moratorium running from the 2023/2024 to the 2027/2028 academic session.
The council emphasised that the list will continue to be updated as more universities meet the required standards for legal education accreditation.
The Council of Legal Education, established by law, remains the statutory body responsible for supervising legal education and maintaining professional standards for aspiring lawyers across Nigeria.
It also oversees the operations of the Nigerian Law School and ensures graduates meet the training requirements before being called to the Nigerian Bar.
