Young lawyers across Nigeria can now register for the landmark initiative by Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Yemi Akangbe, SAN, which provides complimentary access to the NWLR online platform for 25,000 practitioners between 0–7 years at the Bar on a first-come, first-served basis.
The registration portal went live today, marking the commencement of what is set to be one of the most significant interventions in legal professional development in recent years. Eligible lawyers can now register at https://tinyurl.com/YemiNWLR to access the platform, which ordinarily costs N50,000 per user annually. With only 25,000 slots available, young lawyers are advised to register promptly to secure their access.
The initiative, procured by Akangbe in partnership with Nigerian Law Publications Ltd, publishers of the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports (NWLR), is designed to remove financial barriers that prevent young practitioners from accessing essential legal research tools. The NWLR platform, recognised as Nigeria’s foremost law reporting service, houses decades of authoritative case law and judicial precedents critical to effective legal practice.
The programme reflects the philosophy of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, who championed the democratisation of legal knowledge throughout his career. Fawehinmi believed that excellence in legal practice could not flourish where access to knowledge was restricted by economic barriers, a conviction that Akangbe has now translated into concrete action for the digital age.
With thousands of new lawyers called to the Bar annually, many find themselves unable to afford comprehensive legal databases despite their centrality to quality legal work. By personally bearing the full cost of subscriptions for 25,000 young lawyers, Akangbe has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the professional development of the next generation and the future of Nigeria’s legal system.
The NWLR online platform provides access to reported judgments of Nigeria’s superior courts, enabling practitioners to study judicial reasoning, track the evolution of legal principles, and deliver well-researched advice and advocacy for their clients. For young lawyers in the crucial first seven years of practice, this access can prove transformative in establishing solid foundations for their careers.
The registration process has been designed to be straightforward and inclusive, ensuring that all eligible practitioners within the 0–7 year post-call bracket can benefit. However, with the initiative operating on a first-come, first-served basis, young lawyers are strongly encouraged to register immediately at https://tinyurl.com/YemiNWLR to secure their spot among the 25,000 beneficiaries.
The initiative has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from young practitioners across the country, with many describing it as a timely intervention that will significantly enhance their capacity to conduct thorough legal research and serve their clients effectively.
As Nigeria’s legal profession continues to expand, Akangbe’s substantial personal investment sets a new benchmark for leadership and demonstrates what is possible when senior practitioners translate their concern for the future of the Bar into concrete, transformative action.
Eligible lawyers are advised to visit https://tinyurl.com/YemiNWLR immediately to complete their registration and gain access to Nigeria’s premier law reporting platform before all 25,000 slots are filled.
