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By Daniel Adaji
Several newly called lawyers are raising concerns over delays in receiving their Supreme Court enrollment numbers, despite fulfilling all requirements and paying the mandatory fees.
The enrollment number, which is a prerequisite for full legal practice in Nigeria, was supposed to be sent digitally to successful candidates shortly after the Call to Bar ceremony. However, while some of the new wigs have received theirs, many others are still waiting.
Pointblanknews.com gathered on Monday from one of the affected candidates at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari campus, Abuja, that the enrollment documents were still “under review” — contrary to the earlier assurance of a seamless digital dispatch.
“Go and wait until it is ready. We don’t have anything to do from the ICT centre,” an official reportedly told the candidate.
There are growing speculations of technical glitches being responsible for the delays, but the Supreme Court has not officially acknowledged or addressed this possibility.
Between July 8 and 10, 2025, the Council of Legal Education presented approximately 5,000 candidates for the Call to Bar during a ceremony held in Abuja by the Body of Benchers.
Another frustrated candidate who traveled from outside Abuja expressed disappointment: “Do you know how far I have traveled to come here just to hear that I should go back and wait till they respond?”
As part of the post-call procedure, each new lawyer is expected to pay a non-refundable fee of N20,000 for enrollment into the Supreme Court Roll.
Efforts by Pointblanknews.com to get a response from the Supreme Court were unsuccessful, as messages sent to the designated contact number for enrollment inquiries remain unanswered.
The affected candidates are now urging the Supreme Court to address the delay and ensure transparency in the process.