Body of Benchers on Tuesday called a total of 1,785 successful graduates of the Nigerian Law School to Nigerian bar.

The event took place at Eagle’s Square in Abuja with parents, guardians, and well-wishers barred from entering the venue.

Body of Benchers had announced earlier that only the candidates would be allowed to enter the venue to enhance compliance with Covid-19 protocols.

Speaking at the event, Director-General, Nigerian Law School, Mr Isa Hayatu, said a total of 2,515 students sat for the final bar examinations in January this year, but only 1,779 were successful, while 736 of the students failed.

According to him, while five of the candidates made First Class, 76 made Second Class Upper, 633 graduated with Second Class Lower Division, while 1,065 came out with a pass.

“I am happy to affirm that they all exhibited good manners and decorum during their training. They have also been groomed in the best ethics and ethos of our noble profession,” he said.

In his remarks, Chairman, Body of Benchers, Mr Onueze Okocha, charged the new lawyers to be of good character and uphold honesty and integrity, which he described as the hallmark of the legal profession.

He said, “In all that you do while in practice, commit yourselves to upholding the rule of law and pursuit for justice. As legal practitioners, we are all bound to observe and uphold the rules of professional conduct in the legal profession.”

Punch