Council withdraws prize from best law graduate over ‘inappropriate’ picture

The Council of Legal Education (CLE) of the Nigerian Law School says it has withdrawn the prize for the best graduating student in professional ethics from the recipient following the circulation of an “inappropriate” photograph online.

Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said the council took the decision after considering the circumstances surrounding the award.

In a statement dated Wednesday, August 19, Osho said that the attire worn by the recipient in the photograph was considered 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,” Osho said in a statement.

The council also approved sanctions against two students found culpable of indiscipline-related misconduct.

The council reiterated its responsibility to uphold standards of discipline and professional conduct among students of the Nigerian Law School.

Although the council didn’t state the exact graduating set or name of the particular awardee, reports showed that  the 2026 best graduating student for professional ethics of the Nigeria Law School is Ogechi Ifezie.

Ifezie was among the award recipients who were honoured during the 2026 call to bar ceremonies held from July 7 to 10 at the Body of Benchers Complex, Abuja. (TheCable)