Nigerian Law School Withdraws Ethics Prize Over What It Considers “Inappropriate” Photograph

Nigerian Law School Withdraws Ethics Prize Over What It Considers “Inappropriate” Photograph

  • The Council of Legal Education has withdrawn a prestigious ethics prize from a Nigerian Law School graduate after an “inappropriate” photograph surfaced online
  • Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council, confirmed the decision, stressing that the attire in the image was inconsistent with professional standards and decorum
  • Reports link the withdrawn award to Ogechi Ifezie, who was celebrated during the 2026 call to bar ceremonies at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja

The Council of Legal Education (CLE) of the Nigerian Law School has withdrawn the prize for the best graduating student in professional ethics after a photograph of the recipient circulated online.

Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, explained that the decision was taken after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the award.

Council of Legal Education upholds professional standards in student conduct.
Nigerian Law School enforces discipline as ethics prize is withdrawn. Photo credit: Slodan/GettyImages
Source: Getty Images

In a statement dated Wednesday, August 19, Osho said:

“The council considered the circumstances surrounding the award of the prize for the best graduating student in professional ethics and approved the withdrawal of the prize from the recipient, arising from the circulation of a photograph online depicting the recipient in attire considered inconsistent with the professional standards and decorum.”

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Professional Standards and Decorum

According to The Cable, the CLE emphasised that the attire worn in the photograph was inconsistent with the professional standards expected of law graduates. The council reiterated its responsibility to uphold discipline and professional conduct among students of the Nigerian Law School.

Beyond the withdrawal of the prize, the council also approved sanctions against two students found guilty of indiscipline-related misconduct. This move highlights the CLE’s commitment to maintaining ethical behaviour and discipline within the institution.

Awardee Linked to 2026 Call to Bar

Although the council did not officially name the awardee, reports indicate that the 2026 best graduating student in professional ethics was Ogechi Ifezie.

Ifezie was among the recipients honoured during the 2026 call to bar ceremonies held from July 7 to 10 at the Body of Benchers Complex, Abuja.

LASU law graduate wins CAD $45,000 scholarship

Legit.ng earlier reported that David Akinwunmi was awarded the Faculty of Graduate Studies Scholarship and the Law Foundation Scholarship, which together are valued at roughly CAD $45,000 over two years. He has already begun his studies at the Canadian institution.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Basit Jamiu avatar

Basit Jamiu (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Basit Jamiu is an AFP-certified journalist. He is a current affairs and politics editor at Legit.ng. He holds a bachelor's degree from Nasarawa State University (2023). Basit previously worked as a staff writer at Ikeja Bird (2022), Associate Editor at Prime Progress (2022). He is a 2025 CRA Grantee, 2024 Open Climate Fellow (West Africa), 2023 MTN Media Fellow. Email: basitjamiu1st@gmail.com and basit.jamiu@corp.legit.ng.