Class of ’85 Marks 40 Years at the Bar, Honours Chiroma, CJN and Legal Icons

The class of1985 graduates of the Nigerian Law School on Tuesday rolled out the drums to celebrate 40 years since their Call to the Bar, honouring the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, alongside 26 distinguished members of the class. The landmark anniversary brought together leading figures in Nigeria’s legal, political and academic circles.

The event, held at the prestigious Lagos Oriental Hotel, marked four decades of professional service by members of the Class of ’85. It attracted an array of eminent guests, underscoring the class’s enduring influence within the legal profession and national life.

Among those in attendance were the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, accompanied by her spouse, Mr Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR. Governors of Lagos and Oyo State graced the occasion as Special Guests of Honour, lending further prominence to the celebration.

The Keynote Address was delivered by renowned international academic and professor of law, Professor Fidelis Oditah, KC, SAN. Also present was the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who doubles as the leader of the Class of ’85.

In his Keynote lecture, Professor Oditah emphasised that for any civil or criminal justice system to effectively serve society, it must be perceived as just, fair and efficient in resolving disputes. He stressed that public confidence in the Judiciary, is fundamental to social stability and economic growth.

Speaking on the theme, “The Increasing Demand on Judicial Time for Political and Electoral Matters: Implications for Socio-economic Development of Nigeria”, Professor Oditah identified the poor understanding and application of jurisdiction between State and Federal High Courts, as provided under Section 251 of the Constitution, as a major contributor to judicial congestion in Nigeria.

He proposed several solutions to address the challenges, including improved funding for the Judiciary, reduction of bribery and corruption, stronger case management systems, limits on interlocutory appeals, and a comprehensive review of jurisdictional overlaps between Federal and State courts.

In their goodwill messages, the Governors of Lagos and Oyo State thanked the Class of ’85 for the invitation and pledged support for the group’s initiatives, particularly plans to build a hospital at the Nigerian Law School. Earlier, the Chief Justice of Nigeria praised the class for being outstanding ambassadors of the Law School, commending their professionalism and contributions to the development of law in Nigeria and beyond, while wishing them continued success in the years ahead.