Beyond the Call to Bar: Mentorship and the Future of the Nigerian Legal Profession
By H. O. Lawal, Esq, AICMC*
Introduction
On the 5th of March, 2026, I had the privilege of attending the Body of Benchers 2nd Annual Lecture on the theme “Body of Benchers: Beyond Call to Bar.” The event brought together distinguished members of the Bench and the Bar and members of academia to reflect on the evolving role of the Body of Benchers within the Nigerian legal system.
The keynote address was delivered by the renowned Professor of Law and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupe Egbewole, SAN, who presented a paper titled “Reimagining the Nigerian Body of Benchers: Functions, Reforms and Prospects.” While it is beyond me to offer any extensive commentary on the said paper, as a student of law, I believe the learned professor did considerable justice to the theme.
Among the recommendations advanced in the paper were proposals including the incorporation of the concept of the six (6) geopolitical zones into the Body’s membership structure, reconsideration of the numerical composition of the Body, examination of the sponsorship process of prospective legal practitioners and an assessment of how technology may be more effectively deployed in the operations of the Body. The learned silk also recommended the reservation of two slots for representatives of Deans of recognized Law Faculties in Nigeria and for the National Association of Law Teachers respectively.
To my humble believe, if many of the recommendations are thoughtfully considered and structurally implemented, the Body of Benchers will be better positioned to fully achieve its statutory mandates.
Professional Ethics and the Need for Preventive Regulation
In his presentation, the learned professor also highlighted the issue of “raising incidents of professional misconduct and sharp practices and declining public confidence in lawyers.” To address this concern, he recommended that the Body of Benchers, working in closer collaboration with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, should adopt “a shift towards preventive ethics that emphasis education, mentoring and early intervention rather than punishment alone.”
This concern also formed a significant part of the commentary delivered by the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, who emphasized the importance of mentorship within the profession.
Similarly, the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Dr. Gbemisola Odusote, made remarks that further illuminated this concern. In the course of her commentary, she noted the important role played by the Nigerian Law School under the Council of Legal Education in mentoring aspirants to the Bar during their professional training. She also observed that there is a need for sustained mentorship beyond that stage, particularly when aspirants are eventually presented to the Body of Benchers for the Call to the Bar ceremony.
Equally, another member of the panel, R. A. Lawal-Rabana, SAN, a Life Bencher, made remarks touching on concerns regarding the ethical standards of the profession. Although not framed directly in terms of mentorship, his observations on the ethical challenges within the profession clearly underscore the necessity of stronger professional guidance for younger members of the Bar.
Mentorship as the Underlying Theme
Upon reflecting on the keynote address and the interventions of the panelists, particularly the remarks of the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, it became apparent that the entire discourse surrounding the theme of the lecture gravitated towards a central idea of mentorship within the legal profession.
Most of the recommendations made by the keynote speaker and the observations of the panelists appeared to revolve around two broad considerations. The first concerns the internal reformation of the Body of Benchers, particularly in relation to its composition, structure and operational effectiveness. The second concerns the external relationship of the Body in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities, especially as they relate to the ethical and professional formation of legal practitioners.
In my humble view, both concerns ultimately converge on the broader concept of mentorship, which this article seeks to address.
Towards a Coordinated Mentorship Framework
Unlike the suggestion of the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School that the Law School’s mentorship role should conclude before the Body of Benchers assumes its own, I respectfully hold the view that a more integrated and coordinated approach to mentoring aspirants to the Bar is more desirable and, indeed, necessary.
On the one hand, the Nigerian Law School under the Council of Legal Education, the Deans of recognized Law Faculties in Nigeria, the National Association of Law Teachers and the Body of Benchers itself should work collaboratively to establish a uniform framework for mentoring aspirants to the Bar. Such a framework would ensure that professional discipline and ethical consciousness accompany students from the moment they gain admission to study law in any recognized Nigerian university, through their training at the Nigerian Law School, and ultimately upon their Call to the Bar.
On the other hand, there should also be a structured collaboration between the Nigerian Bar Association, the Body of Benchers and relevant stakeholders to ensure that this mentorship continues throughout the early years of legal practice.
The presence and involvement of the Body of Benchers at each stage is particularly important, given the unique institutional position it occupies as the highest body of legal practitioners of distinction within the Nigerian legal profession.
Institutional Responsibility Within the Body of Benchers
For such a mentorship-driven approach to succeed, there is also a need for the Body of Benchers, respectfully speaking, to ensure a high level of dedication and commitment among its members.
Members of the Body must be ad idem in pursuing the institutional objectives of the Body through sustained commitment to its statutory responsibilities. While the question of whether the membership of the Body should increase or decrease may remain a subject of debate, it is nevertheless important that serious consideration be given to the recommendation of the learned silk regarding the incorporation of the six (6) geopolitical zones into the appointment structure of the Body. Such a measure may enhance representational balance and strengthen the effectiveness of the Body’s oversight across the Federation.
Bridging the Gap Between Legal Education and Legal Practice
I must also lend credence to the recommendation of the learned silk that law lecturers should not be unduly restricted from engaging with contemporary developments in legal practice through overly rigid limitations on private practice.
Both university law lecturers and lecturers of the Nigerian Law School would benefit from closer engagement with the realities of legal practice. Such exposure will enhance their effectiveness not only as teachers but also as mentors.
Indeed, one of the challenges frequently encountered by newly admitted lawyers is the difficulty of reconciling theoretical legal education with the practical realities of legal practice. Perhaps this explains the concern raised by the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School regarding the changes observed in some students after returning from externship placements. For many law students, externship placements represent the first meaningful opportunity to observe the practical application of the legal principles they have previously encountered only in the classroom.
In addition, there should be a thorough and periodic review of the law firms where Nigerian Law School students are posted for externship placements.
As I recommended in my externship portfolio assessment, the criteria for the enlistment of externship placement firms should be carefully reviewed to ensure that aspirants to the Bar are exposed to environments where genuine professional mentorship can take place.
Externship placements should not merely be administrative requirements; they should function as meaningful opportunities for professional formation.
Mentorship in the Era of a Changing Legal Generation
As a member of the Generation Z cohort, it is also important to state that any contemporary discussion on mentorship must take into account the evolving dynamics of younger professionals.
Effective mentorship in this era requires the creation of interactive platforms where those who are to be mentored are able to express their perspectives and challenges. Mentorship cannot succeed in the absence of mutual understanding. One cannot effectively mentor individuals whose experiences and professional realities one does not adequately appreciate.
The world is changing rapidly, and these changes have had significant influence on the aspirations, expectations, and professional outlook of young lawyers. Consequently, it may be beneficial for the Body of Benchers to consider organizing workshops and engagements for its members and other relevant stakeholders on modern approaches to professional mentorship.
Conclusion
The Body of Benchers occupies a uniquely significant position within the Nigerian legal profession. While it remains the institution responsible for the formal admission of legal practitioners to the Bar, its influence need not end at the ceremonial moment of the Call to the Bar.
To truly operate “beyond the Call to Bar,” the Body must continue to play an active role in shaping the professional character, ethical orientation and institutional values of members of the legal profession.
In doing so, the Body of Benchers must preserve the long-standing traditions that define the nobility of the legal profession while simultaneously embracing the reforms and transformations necessary to meet the evolving realities of the legal community it serves.
About the Author
* Habeeb Olayinka Lawal, Esq., is a legal practitioner and an accredited mediator. He can be reached at 08169894541 or via email: olayinkalawah@gmail.com
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