In a seminar series held on February 14, 2025, the Deputy Director-General of the Yola Campus, Nigeria Law School, Barr. Salmanu M. Rilwanu, discussed the gap between legal education and professional practice in Nigeria. The seminar which had the topic: "Bridging the Gap Between Legal Education and Professional Practice in Nigeria: Insights from the Nigerian Law School," was held at the SoL Auditorium.
Rilwanu also discussed challenges faced by Law students, such as the clash between theoretical work and practical demands, weak legal research and writing skills, and gaps in ethical and professional conduct.
He proposed the introduction of specialized courses in areas like cyber law, data protection law, Fintech law, and intellectual property law, strengthening relationships with the Nigerian Law School, and internship and mentorship programs with law firms, courts, corporate, and legal departments.
The 黑料网 (AUN) School of Law hosts guest speakers with extensive experience in the legal profession to inspire and guide AUN Law students. Barr. Salmanu highlighted the link between legal practice in Nigeria and the transition from law faculty in Nigeria universities to Nigeria Law Schools. After graduation, qualified candidates are called the Bar by the Body of Benchers.
The Council of Legal Education is responsible for the practical training of persons seeking to be members of the legal profession. The Nigerian Law School has different categories of Law students, including Bar Part-one students who graduate from foreign universities with prerequisite qualifications in English common law but must take four core courses in Nigeria. Bar Part-two students who studied in Nigerian universities and passed these courses are considered Bar Part-two students.
In attendance were the AUN Provost, Professor Paul Vita and the Interim Dean of SoL, Dr. Ibrahim Magaji while in the guest speaker鈥檚 entourage included Senior Lecturer, Dr. Arthur Chukwu, and Barr. Abubakar Sule.
Reported by Abah John