What happens when you don’t fail, but you don’t fully pass either? For many students at the Nigerian Law School, the phrase “conditional pass Nigerian Law School” sits in the middle place. It’s not exactly failing, but it’s not yet a full victory. It leaves students, candidates, and even parents with mixed feelings. But what does it really mean?
This article will help you understand everything about a conditional pass at the Nigerian Law School. From the grading system to what to do after getting this result, we will explain it clearly. If you are a law student or planning to attend law school, this guide is for you.
Picture credit: The Nigeria Law
What is a Conditional Pass Nigerian Law School?
When you take the Bar final examinations at the Nigerian Law School, you must pass all five subjects to be called to the Nigerian Bar. These five subjects include:
- Civil Litigation
- Criminal Litigation
- Property Law Practice
- Corporate Law Practice
- Professional Ethics and Skills
If a student passes four out of five courses but fails one, that student receives a conditional pass, also called a conditional pass grade. This means that the candidate showed good work in most areas but didn’t meet the passing mark in one Subject.
This grading system allows such students to take a resit exam in the Subject they failed. After passing the Resit, the student can join the next batch of successful candidates to be called to the Nigerian Bar.
Understanding the Grading System
The Nigerian Law School exam has a grading system with three main outcomes:
Result Meaning
| Result Type | Meaning | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Pass | Passed all 5 Bar courses | Eligible for Call to Bar |
| Conditional Pass | Failed 1 or 2 courses; passed the rest | Must re-sit the failed papers |
| Fail | Failed 3 or more courses, or failed the re-sit | Must repeat the entire program |
Why Do Students Get a Conditional Pass?
Many students hope for a full pass, but some end up with a conditional pass. Here are common reasons why:
1. Poor Time Management
Bar exams require a lot of study time. Some students waste time on other things and do not prepare well for all subjects.
2. Exam Tension
On exam day, nervousness makes students forget things. Even smart students can fail due to fear.
3. Weak in One Subject
Sometimes, a student is strong in four subjects but weak in one. For example, many students fail Professional Ethics.
4. Lack of Understanding of the Grading System
Some students don’t know how the Nigerian Law School grades answers. If your answers are not well-structured, you can lose marks.
5. Drug Test Failure
Students may also get a conditional pass if they pass exams but fail the required drug test.
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What Happens After You Get a Conditional Pass?
Let’s say you got a conditional pass. What should you do next?
1. Prepare for the Resit
You only need to prepare for the one Subject you failed. This is called the bar final resit examination. It is your second chance to pass.
2. Check the Final Examination Results Carefully
Look at your results and decide which Subject you should resit. Ensure your data, like your name and number, are correct on the forms.
3. Focus on the Weak Subject
Use the examiner’s report to see where most students fail. Ask questions, attend tutorials, and focus on your weak area.
4. You Will Be Called to the Bar
After passing the Subject you failed, you will be called to the Bar in the next session. It may be a little late, but you will join other successful candidates.
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How to Pass the Resit Exam
Here is how you can pass your conditional pass mark on the next try:
- Study well: Start early. Practice past bar exams.
- Use revision tools: Read the examiner’s report. Join study groups.
- Practice writing answers: Don’t just read. Practice writing answers clearly.
- Ask for help: Talk to teachers or legal heroes who passed before.
Emotional Impact of a Conditional Pass
A conditional pass may make you feel sad. You may see others getting called to the Bar while you prepare again. But remember, you are not alone. Many 850 students each year receive a conditional pass.
Some students got a second-class upper division in university but still got a conditional pass. Others had a second-class lower division and passed on their first try. Law school is different. Your class division in university does not decide your fate in law school.
One student from Enugu State, Chinedu Ukekwe, said he was almost discouraged. He later passed his Resit and now mentors other students. He shares updates on “CourtRoom News” and a Facebook group called Law Student Rendezvous.
Leaders Who Support Legal Education
Many top leaders support law school reforms to help students. The Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof Isa Hayatu Chiroma, also known as Prof Isa Chiroma or Prof Isah Ciroma, works hard to improve legal education.
Also, the past DG, Olanrewaju Onadeko, helped introduce the fifth course and clearer rules. The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, once praised the law school for training future legal heroes.
Tips to Avoid Conditional Pass
- Know the grading system early.
- Attend all classes, especially for the fifth course.
- Join forums like Law Student Rendezvous.
- Avoid distractions like foreign jurisdiction debates unless they are part of your exam.
- Keep clean. Pass your drug test.
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Conclusion
Getting a conditional pass from the Nigerian Law School result is not the end. It is a step you must cross. Many students get it. What matters is what you do next.
You still have a bright future. You can pass the Resit and get called to the Nigerian Bar. Whether you got a second class or you graduated from Augustine Nnamani Campus, success is still possible. Fill in the required fields on your exam forms. Take your Resit seriously. Prepare well.
Your legal journey is not over. You are one step closer to becoming a legal practitioner.
FAQs
What is a conditional pass in Law School?
A conditional pass means a student passed four out of five subjects at the Nigerian Law School but failed one. To be called to the Bar, the student must resit and pass the failed Subject.
Which Law School is the finest in Nigeria?
There are multiple campuses of the Nigerian Law School, but many consider the Bwari campus in Abuja and the Augustine Nnamani Campus in Enugu State to be among the best.
Do law students go to NYSC before law school?
No. In Nigeria, students attend law school first. After being called to the Bar, they can proceed to NYSC (National Youth Service Corps).
Who is the best-graduating student at Nigeria Law School?
The Nigerian Law School announces the best-graduating students yearly during the Call to Bar ceremony. These names change annually.
Which law school is the oldest in Nigeria?
The Nigerian Law School in Lagos is the oldest campus. It was established in 1962.
Which law school has the best faculty?
All campuses share a unified standard, but students often praise the faculty at the Bwari (Abuja) and Enugu campuses for their quality of teaching.