Nigerian Law School Warns Students Against Wearing Wig and Gown Before Call to Bar

The Council of Legal Education has cautioned law students across the country against the growing practice of wearing the wig and gown before they are officially called to the Bar, warning that such conduct would attract severe disciplinary measures.

In a statement released on Monday, the Director-General and Head of the Nigerian Law School, Professor **Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN)**, described the act as “unprofessional, unethical, and capable of bringing the legal profession into disrepute.”

The warning comes ahead of the scheduled Call to Bar ceremonies for the 2024/2025 batch of students, which is expected to hold across the six campuses of the Nigerian Law School in the coming weeks.

Professor Chiroma emphasised that the wig and gown are not mere ceremonial outfits but symbols of honour, responsibility, and the sacred trust placed on members of the legal profession. He noted that wearing them before being formally called to the Bar amounts to impersonation and a violation of the rules guiding the profession.

“The wig and gown are reserved for those who have been duly admitted and called to the Nigerian Bar. Any student who wears them before the ceremony is engaging in professional misconduct,” the statement read.

The Law School warned that students found wearing the wig and gown before the Call to Bar would be subjected to disciplinary proceedings, which could lead to suspension or outright disqualification from the Call to Bar.

The directive follows reports of some law students, particularly those in their final year, parading themselves in the wig and gown during campus events, photoshoots, and even on social media. The practice has been criticised by senior lawyers who believe it undermines the prestige of the profession.

Some students have argued that wearing the wig and gown before the ceremony is merely a way of celebrating their academic journey and preparing for the big day. However, the Law School insists that such acts breach established rules and traditions.

The Nigerian Law School urged students to focus on their studies and preparations for the upcoming examinations and Call to Bar ceremony rather than engaging in what it described as “premature celebrations.”

It also appealed to parents and guardians to advise their wards against the practice, stressing that the profession places a high premium on discipline, integrity, and respect for laid-down procedures.

The Council of Legal Education further warned that any student found to have violated this directive would be reported to the Body of Benchers, which has the final authority on matters relating to the Call to the Bar.