Abuja, Nigeria – The Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, Life Bencher and immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, has advised newly called lawyers to ensure strict compliance with the Nigerian Bar Association’s Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Rules, 2025.
Delivering his address during the Call to the Bar ceremony, Justice Ariwoola urged the new wigs to seize the many opportunities provided by the NBA through its accredited Continuing Professional Education courses and programmes in order to satisfy the requirements stipulated under the MCPD Rules.
“I must emphasize that the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirement is a stipulation of law, not just a policy nor a creation of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Rule 11(1) of the Rules of Professional Conduct expressly states that a lawyer who wishes to carry on practice as a legal practitioner shall participate in and satisfy the requirements of the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program operated by the Nigerian Bar Association,” His Lordship stated.
He further clarified that compliance with the CPD programme, alongside payment of the Annual Bar Practising Fee, is a prerequisite to being listed on the Annual Practicing List and obtaining a valid practising certificate.
Commending the current leadership of the NBA under Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, Life Bencher, Justice Ariwoola applauded the steps taken to ease the burden of compliance, particularly for young and less-resourced lawyers.
“Notable amongst these are discounted or waived Continuing Professional Development course fees, multiple and flexible ways to earn CPD credit hours, and a reduction in the required credit hours for all lawyers,” he noted.
In addition to compliance with CPD, Justice Ariwoola strongly encouraged new wigs to embrace the age-old tradition of pupillage, describing it as a fundamental rite of passage in the legal profession. “You will readily find experienced colleagues at the Bar who are more than willing to mentor you.
I encourage you to take advantage of the Body of Benchers Mentoring Programme for all young lawyers (0–7 years Post-Call) and other mentoring initiatives of the Nigerian Bar Association and senior lawyers nationwide.”
Turning to the role of technology in modern legal practice, the retired Chief Justice emphasized the importance of embracing Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in navigating today’s fast-evolving legal landscape.
“It is not enough to be aware of developments in ICT; you must be able to maximize its use and enjoy the attendant benefits. Equip yourself to harness its full potential for effective legal practice,” he advised. “With ICT and AI, the world is at your fingertips—you can become a mobile lawyer.”
Justice Ariwoola further encouraged the new wigs to develop a habit of continuous legal research, both within and beyond Nigeria’s jurisdiction. He quoted Lord Denning, reminding them that, “The law never stands still, it goes on at a pace; you have to run fast to keep pace with it.”
He concluded his remarks on a hopeful and inspiring note: “Having achieved this milestone, go chase your dreams. You now have the wings—you are now lawyers.”
The ceremony marks a defining moment in the lives of the newly admitted legal practitioners, as they officially join the ranks of the Nigerian Bar, equipped with the responsibility to uphold justice and the rule of law.
