Law School Withdraws Ethics Prize Over ‘Inappropriate’ Photo

The Council of Legal Education (CLE), the governing body of the Nigerian Law School, has withdrawn the prize awarded to the institution’s best graduating student in professional ethics following the circulation of an “inappropriate” photograph online.

The council announced the decision after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the award and the photograph involving the recipient.
In a statement dated August 19 and signed by Aderonke Osho, Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration, the CLE said the attire worn by the recipient in the photograph was considered inconsistent with professional standards and decorum.
The council subsequently approved the withdrawal of the prize from the recipient following the circulation of the photograph online.
According to the statement, “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.”
The council also approved sanctions against two students found guilty of indiscipline-related misconduct.
It reiterated its commitment to maintaining discipline, professionalism and appropriate conduct among students of the Nigerian Law School.
Although the council did not disclose the name of the affected graduate or the specific graduating set, reports identified the 2026 best graduating student in professional ethics as Ogechi Ifezie.
Ifezie was among the students honoured during the 2026 Call to Bar ceremonies held from July 7 to 10 at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja.