Nigerian Law School Admission Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

So, you’ve earned your LL.B, and you’re ready to take the next big step toward becoming a barrister or solicitor in Nigeria. That means one thing: it’s time to think about the Nigerian Law School. And yes, lawyers are always right!

But before you get ahead of yourself, it’s important to understand how to get into the Nigerian Law School, what the requirements are, and how the process works. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Nigerian Law School Admission Requirements—from eligibility criteria to the application process and tips to boost your chances.

Let’s get into it.

What Is the Nigerian Law School?
Nigerian Law School Campuses
Nigerian Law School Admission Requirements
How To Apply To Nigerian Law School As A Foreign-Trained Student
- Bar Part I Program Requirements:
How to Apply to the Nigerian Law School
How To Increase Your Chances Of Admission Into Nigerian Law School
What Happens After Admission?
Final Thoughts
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What Is the Nigerian Law School?

The Nigerian Law School (NLS) was established in 1962 by the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide legal education and vocational training for aspiring legal practitioners.

Before anyone can be called to the Nigerian Bar, they must first pass through the Law School. The school offers two primary programs:

Bar Part I: For foreign-trained law graduates who obtained their law degrees from common law countries.
Bar Part II: For graduates of Nigerian universities who studied law and foreign-trained students who have completed Bar Part I.

Nigerian Law School Campuses

The Nigerian Law School has several campuses across the country. Here’s a quick overview:

Campus	Location
Headquarters	Bwari, Abuja
Lagos Campus	Victoria Island, Lagos
Enugu Campus	Agbani, Enugu
Kano Campus	Bagauda, Kano State
Yenagoa Campus	Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
Yola Campus	Yola, Adamawa State
Port Harcourt Campus	Port Harcourt, Rivers State

When applying, you don’t get to choose your campus—it’s assigned by the Law School.

Nigerian Law School Admission Requirements

Now to the main event. What does it take to get into the Nigerian Law School?

1. Academic Qualifications

You must have:

A Bachelor of Law (LL.B) degree from an accredited university (either in Nigeria or in a recognized common law country).
At least Second Class Lower (2:2) division. While there’s no official cut-off, higher classifications generally perform better in admission and Bar exams.

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2. O’Level Requirements

Just like during your university admission, you need at least five credit passes in your WAEC, NECO, or GCE, including:

English Language
Literature in English
Mathematics (optional but highly recommended)
Any two other arts or social science subjects

Note: These must be obtained in not more than two sittings.

3. Transcript & Certificate Verification

Nigerian-trained students must ensure that their transcripts are sent directly to the Nigerian Law School from their university.
Foreign-trained students must present certified true copies of their degree certificates, academic transcripts, and proof of law modules studied.

4. Completion of NYSC (for Nigerian-trained students)

While not an admission requirement per se, completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is necessary before you can be called to the Bar. You may apply and attend Law School while completing NYSC, but you can’t be called until you’ve finished both.

How To Apply To Nigerian Law School As A Foreign-Trained Student

If you earned your LL.B from a university outside Nigeria, you’ll need to go through Bar Part I before proceeding to Bar Part II. Here’s what that entails:

Bar Part I Program Requirements:

LL.B from a recognized university in a common law country.
You must have studied Nigerian Legal System, Nigerian Land Law, and other local content (or be willing to take them as remedial courses).
Academic transcripts, degree certificates, and course descriptions are reviewed for equivalence.
You’ll be required to sit for and pass the Bar Part I examination before moving to Bar Part II.

How to Apply to the Nigerian Law School

Applications to the Nigerian Law School are coordinated through the Council of Legal Education (CLE). Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Notification & Instructions

Once admissions are open, the CLE issues an official notice through the Nigerian Law School website and reputable national dailies. This notice contains details about:

Application opening/closing dates
Required documents
Payment methods
Instructions for completion

Step 2: Payment of Fees

The Law School fees are usually paid into an approved bank account, and details will be included in the official admission circular. The fees often cover:

Tuition
Accommodation
Library
ICT
Miscellaneous administrative costs

As of the most recent update, Nigerian students pay approximately ₦300,000 – ₦350,000, while foreign-trained students may pay slightly more.

Step 3: Online Application

Applicants are expected to:

Visit the Nigerian Law School portal
Create an account and fill out the application form
Upload scanned copies of required documents
Submit and print acknowledgment slips

Documents typically required include:

Degree certificate
O’Level result
Passport photograph
Local Government Identification
Birth Certificate/Age Declaration
NYSC certificate or call-up letter (if applicable)

Step 4: Screening and Admission List

After submission, the Nigerian Law School screens applications and publishes an admission list on its official website. Successful candidates are notified and given further instructions.

How To Increase Your Chances Of Admission Into Nigerian Law School

Here are a few useful tips to help your application into NLS this year:

Start early: Don’t wait until admission is announced. Prepare your documents, verify transcripts, and save up for fees ahead of time.
Maintain a good academic record: A solid LL.B result (especially 2:1 or higher) increases your chances of smooth admission.
Follow instructions to the letter: Simple mistakes like uploading blurry documents or using the wrong email can delay your application.
Consult your faculty: Most universities have designated Law School officers to help guide students through the process.

What Happens After Admission?

Once you’re admitted:

You’ll receive a provisional admission letter with reporting date, campus allocation, and orientation schedule.
You must report to the assigned campus with original copies of your documents.
The Bar Part II program runs for about 9–12 months, including coursework, law office attachments, and court attachment.

At the end of your program, you’ll sit for the Bar Final Examinations. If you pass all the papers, congratulations—you’re now eligible for Call to the Bar!

Final Thoughts

Getting into the Nigerian Law School is a major milestone in your journey to becoming a lawyer. Whether you studied in Nigeria or abroad, understanding the Nigerian Law School Admission Requirements gives you a clear edge.

So, prepare ahead, stay updated, and make sure your documents are complete. With the right planning and mindset, how to get into Nigerian Law School doesn’t have to be a mystery.

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Nigerian Law School Admission Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

Table of contents

What Is the Nigerian Law School?

Nigerian Law School Campuses