Nigerian Law Teachers Advocate for Increased SAN Slots

The Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT) has called for an increase in the number of slots allotted to its members for the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). This call was made at the association’s 2024 Annual Conference, held at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, where members highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of law educators to Nigeria’s legal profession.

The SAN rank is a prestigious title awarded to legal practitioners who have distinguished themselves in advocacy, with select cases of exceptional service. However, law educators have historically been underrepresented in this category, a point emphasized by NALT at the conference, themed “Law, Democratic Consolidation, and National Development.”

Prof. Nimah Abdulraheem, NALT’s National President, voiced concern over the lack of representation of law educators among SAN awardees. She also underscored the importance of the Council of Legal Education’s greater involvement in the SAN selection process. “Our collective commitment to advancing legal education and the rule of law has driven NALT’s progress for more than half a century,” Abdulraheem said. She further expressed the association’s commitment to ensuring that law teachers’ contributions are recognized within the profession.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stressed the need for electoral reforms and advocated the adoption of digital platforms to enhance transparency in Nigeria’s elections. Represented by Prof. Oluocha Anyaoku, the librarian at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Fagbemi also highlighted the importance of balancing global economic partnerships with Nigeria’s national interests, noting the relevance of such discussions to the country’s democratic future.

Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, expressed pride in hosting the conference, acknowledging the contributions of law teachers in advancing Nigeria’s legal landscape. “With your research and dedication, you continue to make things better,” Egbewole remarked.

The NALT conference concluded with a collective commitment to advocating for greater inclusion and recognition of law teachers within Nigeria’s legal profession, particularly through an increased number of SAN designations.