NEWS
CERTIFICATE UNDER FIRE: NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL OPENS PROBE, SUMMONS DEPUTY SPEAKER BENJAMIN KALU OVER WITHDRAWAL PETITIONS
The Council of Legal Education has formally invited the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, to respond to a petition seeking the withdrawal and cancellation of his Nigerian Law School qualifying certificate.
In an official correspondence dated April 21, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration, Ms. Aderonke O. Osho, the Council confirmed that it had received a petition dated March 16, 2026, raising concerns over the authenticity or validity of the Deputy Speaker’s Qualifying Certificate No. 051144.
According to the letter, the matter was deliberated upon during a Council sitting held on Friday, April 17, 2026. Following its review, the Council constituted a three-member ad hoc committee tasked with investigating the claims outlined in the petition.
As part of the investigative process, the committee has requested that Hon. Kalu submit a written response within seven days from the date of the letter. The Council emphasized that this step is necessary to ensure a fair and expeditious review of the issues raised.
The letter further indicated that the Deputy Speaker may be required to appear in person before the committee at any stage of the inquiry, should the need arise.
While the details of the petition have not been made public, the development introduces a new layer of scrutiny around the credentials of one of Nigeria’s top-ranking lawmakers. Observers note that the outcome of the investigation by the Council could have significant legal and political implications, depending on its findings.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Hon. Benjamin Kalu regarding the
invitation.