The House of Representatives on Wednesday issued a directive urging the Council of Legal Education to halt the ongoing increase in fees at the Nigerian Law School. The decision was reached during the session after a motion presented by Obinna Chinda, representing his absent colleague, Kingsley Chinda. The motion underscores concerns about the financial burden imposed on aspiring lawyers and the broader implications for access to legal education in Nigeria.
The House’s resolution reflects a commitment to ensuring equitable access to legal education and addressing affordability challenges faced by prospective law students. By calling for an immediate cessation of fee hikes, the House aims to alleviate financial strain on students and promote inclusivity within the legal profession.
The motion highlights the role of regulatory bodies like the Council of Legal Education in shaping the accessibility and affordability of legal education. It underscores the importance of stakeholder collaboration in devising sustainable fee structures that do not undermine the fundamental principle of equal opportunity in education.
Through this resolution, the House of Representatives signals its dedication to advocating for policies that enhance educational access and foster a more equitable society. By prioritizing the welfare of students and aspiring legal professionals, the House reaffirms its commitment to advancing social justice and promoting the democratization of legal education in Nigeria.
The House also mandated its Committees on Tertiary Education and Services “to explore solutions to the issue at hand and report back within two weeks for further legislative action as time is of the essence.”
Leading the debate on the motion titled, “Need to check the 60 per cent increase in the Nigerian Law School Fees,” Obinna called the attention of the House to the fact that “Nigeria is currently facing a 27.33 per cent inflation rate, as reported by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, which is projected by trade economics to rise to 30 per cent by December 2024.”
He told his colleagues that the Council of Legal Education “has approved a 60 per cent increase in Nigerian law school fees from N296,000.00 to N476,000 in the 2023/2024 Bar Part II academic session.”
He said unless immediate steps were taken the fee hike would impact negatively on students going to the Nigerian Law School.