By Tony Okafor
History was made recently as law graduates of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) successfully completed their training at the Nigerian Law School (NLS) — and did so with a loud, unmistakable statement: producing a First Class at their very first appearance. This wasn’t just a debut; it was a declaration.
This long-overdue achievement is clear proof of what determination, fairness, and a bold idea can accomplish.
For years, NOUN law graduates were shut out of the Nigerian Law School — held back by doubt, bureaucracy, and systemic bias.
Now, not only have they been called to the Bar, they have done so with distinction. They are vindicated, and rightly so.
This moment is not just celebratory. It speaks to the victory of grit over doubt.
We applaud everyone who stood their ground during the years of exclusion. Credit goes to the NOUN leadership for their steadfast resolve and quiet persistence in the face of repeated setbacks.
Our appreciation also extends to the Council of Legal Education (CLE), the Body of Benchers (BOB), the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigerian Law School authorities for finally embracing equity and opening the gates to those who had long been left behind.
Special mention must go to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and the late Muhammadu Buhari, whose interventions at different points helped reshape NOUN’s trajectory. Their support was vital in turning what was once dismissed as fringe into a credible part of Nigeria’s educational system.
Most remarkably, this pioneer class did not merely blend in — they stood out. The emergence of a First Class graduate among them puts to rest the long-held bias that open and distance learners could not match traditional standards.
It proves that when given a level playing field, Nigerian students will rise above expectation.
With NOUN’s Faculty of Law complex nearing completion, the university is well-positioned to become a top destination for young Nigerians hoping to study law. Its modern setup, blended learning approach, and digital delivery give it a fresh edge in today’s educational landscape.
The open and distance learning model — flexible, inclusive, and cost-effective — is fast becoming a practical alternative to the overcrowded and underfunded traditional university system.
The performance of NOUN’s law graduates is solid proof that alternative learning routes can produce excellent outcomes.
To the doubters, this is a quiet but firm rebuke. NOUN students were once laughed at. Today, they wear the wig and gown with pride — and many others are still waiting for their opportunity.
We therefore urge the authorities to do the needful: mobilize the remaining NOUN law graduates to Law School without delay. There is no justification for subjecting them to another extended, two-phase training process. Some of them are seasoned professionals, including professors and PhD holders. One comprehensive training cycle is enough.
Justice should not be partial. These graduates are not leftovers — they are qualified Nigerians ready to make meaningful contributions to their country.
The journey of NOUN law graduates reminds us all: do not write off an idea just because it is unfamiliar. Every strong institution was once an experiment.
NOUN has found its footing — and it is growing into a force that will serve generations to come.
Ibi jus ibi remedium — where there is a right, there is a remedy.
