Can you envision a society without laws? Such a country would be characterized by constant violations of property and human rights. The Nigerian constitution contains the country’s laws. Lawyers work to advance justice and safeguard their clients’ rights.
In society, there are various kinds of attorneys. How successful your career is after graduation is greatly influenced by the school you graduated from. For instance, because some institutions there are not worth it, companies in Nigeria are very concerned about the schools their employees attend. This is why it is crucial, if not required, to do your research before selecting the college you want to attend.
The Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, or NIALS, presented a list of the top 10 law faculties/universities in Nigerian universities on Sunday after learning of the rejection and criticism of the caliber of legal education in that country.
Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, the director general of the institute, said in a statement that the institute’s decision to divulge the identities of the universities was consistent with her legal obligation to inform and counsel researchers about legal education in Nigeria.
Similar to that, several higher education institutions provide legal programs. Depending on the kind of lawyer you want to be, you should decide which law school in Nigeria is suitable for you. Many aspiring lawyers are interested in learning about the top law schools in Nigeria.
Do not worry if you are one of them. These are 10 prestigious schools that create competent lawyers and provide high-quality education.
Things you should know about law school
The most crucial factor to take into account when choosing an institution to attend is the kind of education it offers. The majority of students don’t give this enough thought; all they are concerned with is how fun college will be, how good their football team will be, and how good their social life will be. Your career’s quality and scope are greatly influenced by the school you attend and graduate from.
Different colleges across the country focus their efforts on producing just and effective lawyers today. The law is a body of written rules and regulations that serve to forbid, direct, and even punish a group of individuals who jointly offend the established laws.
But as a profession, the law is the study of norms, regulations, ethics, practices, and facts regarding the application of sanctions, the interpretation of the law, and reaching a decision on the arguments made before the court.
Every tertiary institution has a law school designed to prepare students to enter law schools nationwide and become barristers and attorneys by teaching them about the Nigerian legal system.
After finishing your studies, you ought to be able to defend and develop a convincing argument and gain knowledge of legal concerns, information on simple and complicated legal theories, and case studies. You should also have research and numerical abilities, as well as an understanding of legal matters.
You also need to be able to speak English well, solve problems, create and understand case laws, and have other talents. In order to learn all of this, you must enroll in a reputable tertiary institution that offers legal education.
1. The University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Without a question, the University of Lagos is one of the top academic institutions in Nigeria, and the UNILAG Faculty of Law is effective in imparting legal knowledge. Some of Nigeria’s best attorneys have received training from UNILAG. One of the initial teaching units at the university, the Faculty of Law at Unilag, was founded in 1962.
The top law school in Nigeria at the moment is UNILAG. As one of the top legal schools in Nigeria, it has earned full National University Commission (NUC) accreditation, which signifies that it has met all requirements. The majority of Nigerian attorneys agree that UNILAG is the ideal summer program for top-notch law students.
Despite the fact that this faculty has extremely high UTME exam requirements. To be considered for admission to study law at Unilag, you must have a JAMB score of at least 250, but it is worthwhile.
Numerous renowned Nigerians, both at home and abroad, have come from this university. With a large student body from both inside and outside of Nigeria, UNILAG is a leader among Nigerian universities.
2. University of Ibadan (UI)
It was the country’s first university to be founded. Another top university in Nigeria is the University of Ibadan in Ibadan. It is one of Nigeria’s top institutions for studying law. And this institution is a top African university.
One of Nigeria’s most esteemed universities is the University of Ibadan. It is renowned for having extremely engaged students who consistently take part in trials and competitions. They provide the best legal programs in the nation. Some of the top attorneys in Africa have received training from UI’s cutting-edge professors.
3. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
In Kwara, there is a federally funded institution called the University of Ilorin. One of Nigeria’s most renowned law faculties is the University of Ilorin’s Faculty of Law. Additionally, this faculty is currently ranked as the second-most sought-after in the nation. developed in 1983. The University of Ilorin’s Faculty of Law has produced some of the top legal scholars.
4. University of Nigeria (UNN)
This list’s top spot is also held by the top university in Eastern Nigeria. Despite having three campuses, the University of Nigeria’s Faculty of Law is notable. The federal government, which owns and operates the schools, is making significant efforts to ensure that they are adequately prepared to produce medical professionals.
The law school at UNN is quite excellent, and there is fierce intellectual competition among the students. You must be very dedicated to succeeding as a law student at UNN. The school’s high cut-off mark makes it difficult to get admitted to study law there, and you must work even harder to finish your studies and receive a decent grade.
5. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)
Another renowned institution in Nigeria is Obafemi Awolowo University, which is likewise one of the most selective in the nation. In Northern Nigeria, ABU is unrivaled when it comes to legal education.
One of the original institutions that altered the academic paradigm is this university. One of the top places to study law is Obafemi Awolowo University’s law school.
6. Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)
When it comes to legal studies, this is yet another outstanding university institution. The federal university, UNIZIK, is situated in Awka, Anambra State. This institution is one of the top universities in South-East Nigeria. Over 10,000 lawyers have been created by UNIZIK, which has advanced legal education.
The judiciary branch of her SUG meets in UNIZIK’s mock court to discuss and debate laws that impact her pupils as well as to take a professional practice test. Most adults attend UNIZIk’s Faculty of Law as undergraduates or postgraduates in order to complete a second degree.
7. University of Jos (UNIJOS)
One of Nigeria’s top law schools is UNIJOS. Up until 1975, the University of Jos was a campus of the University of Ibadan. It was understood from the beginning that the University of Jos should teach law as a separate discipline. So in 1976–1977. In 1992, the institution accepted its first group of students.
The Department was changed into the Faculty of Law in 1980 to accommodate the nation’s then-increasing demand for places to study law.
8. Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Ahmadu Bello University is unquestionably one of Nigeria’s top schools for studying law and one of the nation’s federal universities. It is situated in the Northern regions of Nigeria and has competent attorneys who instruct students in both English and Sharia law.
When it comes to the law, ABU is renowned for its outstanding academic performance. Sharia law has dominated that field, especially with its adherents. This university is one of the top institutions in Nigeria for studying law.
9. University of Benin
One of Nigeria’s first-generation federal universities, the University of Benin, was established in 1970. The top university in Nigeria for studying law is also here. The former governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and Josephine Anenih, a former Nigerian minister, are just a few of the renowned legal practitioners who have graduated from their illustrious law school. When it comes to the history and reputation of UNIBEN as a provider of legal education, this university is excellent.
10. The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
Another fantastic university in the northern region of Nigeria is the University of Maiduguri. One of the nation’s earliest federal universities, UNIMAID was established in 1975. The university is particularly well-known for having one of the strongest law programs in the country.
How long does it take to complete a law degree in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, legal studies last six years. 5 years in college and 1 year of law school. You will receive intellectual training in universities. You can learn how to construct arguments and counter-arguments and comprehend the many Nigerian legal systems in these institutes.
Are lawyers well off?
Depending on his qualifications and offerings. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), or a lawyer in the judiciary, makes more money than a regular barrister. An experienced family lawyer might earn up to $15,000,000 per year.
How much money do attorneys make in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, attorneys are not well compensated. An average Nigerian lawyer makes between N50,000 and N100,000 a month.
Summary
The top law schools in Nigeria are located at these institutions. Admission to the law programs at the universities on the list is extremely competitive. Therefore, if you are accepted to study law at one of these schools of higher learning, you should put in a lot of effort and try your best to graduate from there.