Osigwe Tackles CPD Cost Burden, Unveils New Directives for Affordable Legal Training
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has rolled out new directives aimed at making Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses more affordable and accessible for lawyers nationwide.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Osigwe acknowledged mounting concerns, particularly from young lawyers, over the rising costs of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) programs. He revealed that following consultations with the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) and the Young Lawyers Forum, several key resolutions were reached to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
Highlights of the New Directives Include:
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Voluntary Participation: No lawyer is compelled to attend specific CPD trainings; lawyers are free to choose from accredited options.
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Clear Payment Guidelines: Payments for CPD trainings are made directly to service providers, not the NBA.
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Increased Free Training Opportunities: Lawyers can meet the annual five-hour CPD requirement through free seminars by accredited bodies, NBA ICLE, branches, or approved providers.
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Course Fee Oversight: The NBA-ICLE Board will immediately begin vetting course fees to keep them reasonable and accessible.
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Branch-Level CPD Recognition: Lawyers can earn CPD points through accredited NBA branch activities.
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Programme Accreditation Expansion: Law faculties, NBA branches, and legal institutes are encouraged to seek CPD accreditation for eligible programs.
Osigwe emphasized that the NBA is committed to creating an inclusive, affordable, and empowering CPD framework that enhances lawyers’ competence without causing financial hardship.
“The ICLE system is meant to promote professional growth, not impose hardship,” he stressed. “We are working to ensure that CPD remains affordable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all our members.”
The NBA plans to further expand free training initiatives and continue engaging stakeholders to improve the CPD system.
