Nigerian Law School withdraws prize from best ethics graduate over photo

The Council of Legal Education (CLE) has withdrawn the award for the best graduating student in Professional Ethics at the Nigerian Law School following the circulation of a photograph the council deemed inappropriate.

The council’s Secretary and Director of Administration, Aderonke Osho, disclosed this in a statement dated August 19.

Osho said the decision was taken after the council reviewed the circumstances surrounding the award and considered the attire worn by the recipient in the photograph inconsistent with professional standards and decorum.

“The council considered the circumstances surrounding the award of the prize for the best graduating student in professional ethics and approved the withdrawal of the prize from the recipient, arising from the circulation of a photograph online depicting the recipient in attire considered inconsistent with the professional standards and decorum,” she said.

The council also approved disciplinary sanctions against two students found culpable of misconduct relating to indiscipline.

It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding professional standards among students of the Nigerian Law School.

Although the council did not identify the recipient or specify the graduating set in its statement, reports indicate that Ogechi Ifezie was the 2026 recipient of the Best Graduating Student in Professional Ethics award.

Ifezie was among students honoured during the 2026 Call to Bar ceremonies held from July 7 to 10 at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja.

The council’s decision has since drawn attention to the professional and conduct standards expected of law students and newly qualified lawyers.