Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has challenged the Council of Legal Education over moves to question or revoke his Nigerian Law School qualifying certificate.
Kalu Rejects Petition Against Him
The dispute started after the council asked Kalu to answer a petition challenging the validity of his certificate. The petition alleged gaps in the timeline of his National Youth Service Corps participation and his attendance at the Nigerian Law School.
However, in a letter dated April 28, 2026, Kalu’s lawyers from Olaniwun Ajayi LP dismissed the petition. They described it as weak in law and lacking merit.
Furthermore, the lawyers argued that no Nigerian law stops a person from attending Law School while serving in the NYSC scheme at the same time.
Lawyers Question Council Powers
Meanwhile, Kalu’s legal team said the Council of Legal Education lacks power to withdraw a qualifying certificate after issuing it.
They argued that the council can only apply discipline in limited cases involving proven criminal conduct. Consequently, they said no such offence has been established against Kalu.
“The petition is fundamentally deficient in law,” the lawyers stated. They added that no clear law gives the council powers to cancel certificates after issuance.
Council Set Deadline for Response
Earlier, in a letter dated April 21, 2026, the council asked Kalu to submit a written response within seven days.
The petition against him includes claims of perjury, false representation and differences between his NYSC and Bar records.
In response, the council’s Secretary and Director of Administration, Aderonke O. Osho, confirmed the matter. However, she said the council would handle the issue internally and did not say if Kalu replied before the deadline.
Handbook, Law Cited in Defence
Meanwhile, Kalu’s lawyers also rejected claims tied to a declaration he allegedly signed. The document reportedly stated that he would not join NYSC during Law School.
They argued that the declaration was not sworn and carries no legal force.
Furthermore, the lawyers said they reviewed the 2010 to 2011 Nigerian Law School Student Handbook. They found no rule stopping students from combining NYSC with Law School.
Fresh Pressure as Review Continues
Consequently, the lawyers cited the Legal Education (Consolidation, etc.) Act. They said the council’s main duty is to supervise legal education and certify candidates fit for Call to Bar.
Meanwhile, the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance, which filed another petition, insisted that students must declare they were not in NYSC during studies.
The council has not issued a public verdict on the substance of the case. Its internal review will decide the next step.
