President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate construction of a state-of-the-art auditorium for the Nigerian Law School, as part of efforts to expand and modernize legal education infrastructure in the country.
This was revealed by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Monday during the flag-off ceremony for a new 600-bed student hostel at the Law School’s Abuja campus in Bwari.
Presidential Intervention for Legal Education
According to Wike, the President’s directive was prompted by concerns about the capacity of existing lecture facilities to accommodate the anticipated increase in student population, following the construction of the new hostel.
“I spoke with my son, who was recently called to Bar, and I asked if the new hostel means more students will be admitted. He expressed doubts, citing limitations with the current auditorium,” Wike explained.
“I discussed this with Mr. President last night, and he immediately directed that a new auditorium be built for the Nigerian Law School.”
The Minister described the intervention as a clear indication of President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening legal education and addressing infrastructural challenges in tertiary institutions.
Unprecedented Government Support
Wike praised Tinubu’s administration for being the most proactive government in supporting the Nigerian Law School since the Abuja campus opened in 1997. He also commended Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for his consistent backing of reforms and infrastructure in the justice sector.
“All we are doing in the justice sector today is possible because of the Attorney General’s unwavering support,” he noted.
He further highlighted the digitisation of the FCT High Court as another initiative backed by the President, complete with budgetary support.
Recognition for Leadership and Infrastructure Drive
The Minister also lauded the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School for his strategic leadership, particularly his commitment to upgrading infrastructure across campuses. He referenced the recently completed hostel and auditorium at the Yenagoa campus as a model of balanced development.
“History will be kind to the DG for prioritising the needs of all Law School campuses,” Wike said.
600-Bed Hostel to Ease Student Accommodation
Wike described the new 600-bed student hostel as the second major presidential intervention at the Law School within President Tinubu’s first two years in office.
He recalled that following the earlier launch of staff quarters at the institution, a commitment was made through the Attorney General to provide improved student accommodation.
“Today, we are here to fulfill that promise,” he said, adding that the hostel will go a long way in alleviating the accommodation burden faced by students.
