Kogi CJ Urges Law School Students To Embrace Integrity, Hard Work

Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Joe Majebi, has charged students of the Nigerian Law School undergoing court attachment in the state to embrace hard work, discipline and integrity as essential qualities for success in the legal profession.

Justice Majebi gave the advice  yesterday while receiving 20 Law School students in his chambers at the High Court of Justice headquarters in Lokoja. The students are currently attached to the Kogi State High Court as part of the mandatory practical training required for their one-year programme at the Nigerian Law School.

The chief judge urged the students to take full advantage of the rare opportunity to interact with judges and experienced legal practitioners in the state, stressing that the legal profession demands ethical conduct and accountability at all times.

According to him, the profession thrives on integrity, discipline and transparency, warning that any conduct capable of eroding public trust must be avoided.

“Remember, the legal profession is a profession of pride, integrity, discipline and transparency. If you breach the traditions of the profession, you create distrust for yourself. Studying Law does not automatically change who you are. If you lack integrity before studying Law, you must first change your character and then Law will perfect you,” he said.

Justice Majebi also shared personal experiences from his early years in service as a young State Counsel in the old Kwara State under the mentorship of the late Justice Samuel Kehinde Otta, urging the students not to pursue wealth at the expense of professional growth and mentorship.

He recalled surviving on a modest salary of N209 after being called to the Bar, noting that perseverance, sacrifice and dedication eventually paved the way for his rise in the judiciary.

“Young people today think studying Law is all about making money, but if that is your mindset, you may not succeed. Subject yourself to mentoring and focus on growth. Success comes through determination and hard work,” he advised.

The Chief Judge further encouraged the students to remain focused during the four-week court attachment, emphasizing that they were in the judiciary primarily to learn courtroom procedures and professional ethics rather than engage in social activities.

He advised them to pay attention to their conduct, relationships and dressing, noting that these would form part of the foundation for their future legal careers.

“For now, you are here to learn what happens in court and understand legal procedures. Concentrate on the purpose of your attachment so that when you are eventually called to the Bar, you will remember Kogi State as one of the places that shaped your professional life,” he stated.

Justice Majebi assured the students of access to judges and lawyers throughout the attachment period and promised to hold interactive sessions with them to address questions and broaden their understanding of legal practice.

He also encouraged them to observe proceedings in other courts whenever their assigned courts were not sitting.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Glory Ometere Emmanuel of the Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus, expressed appreciation to the Chief Judge and the judiciary for the warm reception and orientation, assuring that the students would apply the lessons learnt during both their examinations and future legal practice.

The 20 students were drawn from Law School campuses in Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, Lagos, Enugu and Yola.