JUST IN: Panic As Coal City University Enugu Allegedly Admits Law Students Against Council Of Legal Education Directive.
The release of the latest list of universities authorised to run law programmes in Nigeria by the Council of Legal Education has sparked anxiety among students and parents after Coal City University, Enugu, was not included among the approved institutions.
The council recently announced that 114 universities are authorised to run the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme across the country. It also warned that students admitted into programmes not recognised by the council would not be eligible to proceed to the Nigerian Law School — a mandatory stage for anyone seeking to practise as a lawyer in Nigeria.
Concerns heightened after reports emerged that Coal City University, Enugu, founded in 2016, had allegedly been admitting students into its law programme despite the institution not appearing on the council’s approved list.
The development has triggered fears among students currently studying law at the university, many of whom worry that their years of academic effort could eventually be rendered invalid.
A 200-level law student of the institution, who requested anonymity, said the information came as a major shock to many students.
“We gained admission believing everything was legitimate. Now we are hearing that the school is not recognised to run law. It feels like our future is suddenly uncertain,” the student said.
Another student expressed concern that the situation could derail their career aspirations.
“My parents have sacrificed so much for my education. If we cannot proceed to Law School after graduation, then all our efforts would be wasted,” the student lamented.
Parents of affected students have also expressed frustration, accusing the institution of putting their children’s future at risk.
One parent, Mr. Chinedu Okafor, said families had invested heavily in the programme without suspecting any irregularities.
“We trusted the university when they offered admission into law. If the programme was not approved, they should never have admitted students in the first place,” he said.
Another parent, Mrs. Ngozi Nwankwo, described the situation as heartbreaking.
“Our children entered the school with dreams of becoming lawyers. Now those dreams are hanging in the balance. The authorities must intervene urgently,” she said.
Education stakeholders say the situation highlights the importance of verifying the accreditation status of specialised programmes such as law before seeking admission.
The Council of Legal Education reiterated that only institutions listed in its official register are permitted to admit law students and warned that universities operating outside the regulatory framework risk sanctions.
For the affected students, however, the immediate concern remains the uncertainty surrounding their academic future and the possibility that their long-held dream of being called to the Nigerian Bar could slip away.
