The Council of Legal Education (CLE) has withdrawn the award for the best graduating student in professional ethics at the Nigerian Law School following the online circulation of a photograph deemed inappropriate.
In a statement signed by the council’s secretary and director of administration, Aderonke Osho, the regulatory body explained that the decision came after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the award.
The council noted that the recipient appeared in attire inconsistent with the decorum and professional standards expected of the legal profession.
Alongside the withdrawal of the award, the council approved disciplinary sanctions against two other students found culpable of misconduct, reiterating its strict mandate to maintain discipline and ethical conduct within the institution.
While the official announcement did not disclose the student’s identity or graduating year, reports identify the 2026 best graduating student in professional ethics as Ogechi Ifezie.
Ifezie was among the candidates honored during the Call to Bar ceremonies held between July 7 and 10 at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja.