The Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Olugbemisola Odusote, has said interference by some lawyers continues to undermine efforts to enforce discipline within the legal profession, warning that resistance from within the Bar remains a major challenge.
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“One area where we will face resistance is discipline. Too often, interference comes from colleagues at the Bar, with everyone seeking to be an exception.
“When the time comes to enforce the rules, I hope we will all agree that it is a step in the right direction,” she said.
Odusote spoke on Saturday at a reception organised in her honour by Bayo Adaralegbe at Eko Hotel and Suites, where she outlined her vision for reforming the Nigerian Law School and repositioning it to meet global standards.
She said that beyond discipline, her administration would focus on infrastructural renewal and digital transformation, noting that the Law School must evolve in line with modern realities.
“There was a time when examinations were entirely manual, but today systems like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board have transitioned to computer-based testing. We intend to move many aspects of the Law School into the digital space,” she said.
She, however, stressed that achieving these reforms would require collective effort and significant financial support, noting that government resources alone would not be sufficient.
“We have seven campuses, and transforming them requires significant resources. Everyone is a stakeholder, whether as legal practitioners or users of legal services, and we will be calling on you for support,” she added.
Reflecting on her appointment, Odusote expressed gratitude to colleagues, mentors, and supporters who contributed to her emergence, both openly and behind the scenes.
Expressing deep gratitude for the overwhelming support she had received, Odusote described her appointment as a product of mentorship, hard work, and collective effort.
She also acknowledged the support of Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN), whom she described as a longtime acquaintance.
Describing the responsibility before her as enormous, she appealed for prayers, cooperation, and support from members of the legal community, expressing optimism that meaningful and lasting reforms could be achieved.
“I believe this is the beginning of greater things,” she said.
The event drew a distinguished gathering of jurists, senior advocates, academics, and political figures.
Among those in attendance were Justice Habeeb Abiru of the Supreme Court, who chaired the occasion, Justice Olayinka Faji of the Federal High Court, Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos State High Court, Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora of Ogun State, and Prof Itse Sagay (SAN), among others.
Speakers at the event urged Odusote to remain firm in upholding discipline, resist external interference, and urgently pursue reforms in legal education.
Many described her appointment as historic, noting that she is the first female Director-General of the Nigerian Law School since its establishment in 1962.
In his welcome address, Adaralegbe described the gathering as a reflection of Odusote’s wide influence and the high regard in which she is held across the legal and academic communities.
He noted that guests had travelled from different jurisdictions to honour her, adding that the overwhelming turnout her professional reputation.
He also reflected on her academic heritage, recalling her late father as a respected scholar whose character earned admiration across the university community.
Sharing personal memories, he described Odusote as disciplined and focused from her student days, noting that her qualities were evident early in life.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Wale Babalakin, struck a cautionary note, warning that the legal profession risked serious consequences if it continued to avoid responsibility in addressing Nigeria’s political challenges.
“If we do not behave properly at all levels to stabilise the political situation, we will all be at fault in the end,” he said, urging lawyers to stop acting “cavalier” in matters of national importance.
Babalakin described Odusote’s appointment as both historic and long overdue, expressing confidence in her ability to drive much-needed reforms at the Law School.
“The Law School needs to be redefined, and I hope she will be the one to do it,” he said.
Drawing from his experience mentoring young lawyers, he raised concerns about the quality of graduates entering the profession.
He recounted a recruitment exercise in which only a few candidates could meaningfully discuss a legal case, noting that most of them had studied abroad.
“What was more troubling was that three of the four had studied abroad,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration between universities and the Law School, stressing the need to enforce higher academic standards before admission.
“We must ensure that a certain level of learning is achieved before students come to the Law School,” he said. “We must stop unleashing untrained minds into society.”
Former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Professor Olanrewaju Onadeko (SAN), also emphasised the need to maintain high standards despite rising enrolment.
He warned that Nigeria’s longstanding influence in legal education across West Africa could decline if quality is not sustained.
“Our influence will dwindle over time if we do not maintain standards,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure, Onadeko recalled resisting pressure to alter examination results, insisting on preserving academic integrity despite threats and external pressure.
“I said nothing must be done to that result. Release it as it is,” he stated.
He urged Odusote to remain courageous, firm, and fair in enforcing standards, describing integrity as essential to the credibility of the institution.
Also speaking, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) advised her to prepare for the realities of political pressure in public office.
“The only downside is that once you get into that position, you must learn to navigate political waters very well,” he said.
He described her appointment as the peak of a distinguished career, noting that he had known her for decades, from their school days through university and the Nigerian Law School.
Justice Kayode Adeniyi also described her emergence as a proud moment for their academic cohort.
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