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As thousands of young legal minds take the bold step into the revered Nigerian Bar, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mentorship Committee, Dr. Kayode Ajulo,( SAN), has delivered a stirring address to welcome and guide the newest entrants into Africa’s largest legal profession.
Titled: “Igniting Your Journey: A New Wig’s Guide to the Bar”, Dr. Ajulo’s message, delivered on Tuesday as the Call to Bar ceremonies commenced, offered both celebration and caution. Drawing from timeless wisdom, philosophical insight, and professional experience, he congratulated the new wigs while setting forth expectations that will define their future in law.
His words:”This milestone marks not just an end, but a beginning,” Ajulo declared. “A kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”
Dr. Ajulo urged the newly inducted lawyers to hold fast to the ideals of ethical practice, continuous learning, and purposeful networking.
Quoting Cicero, Socrates, and Martin Luther King Jr., the learned silk emphasized that the law is lived through experience and service—not just theory.
“Ethics,” he reminded, “is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do. In civilized life, law floats in a sea of ethics.”
Dr. Ajulo further highlighted six pillars to guide the new lawyers: commitment to ethics, lifelong learning, mentorship, community engagement, networking, and diversity/inclusion. In a profession known for its rigor and prestige, he stressed the need to remain students forever, remain teachable, and grow into mentors themselves.
He said:“Learn from everyone and everything,” quoting another author, Ryan Holiday,Dr Ajulo said: “The way of success is the way of continuous pursuit of knowledge.”
With a call to service and social justice, the Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice encouraged the new wigs to embrace pro bono work and actively contribute to the community.
“The law serves society,” he said, echoing Dr. King’s belief that life begins when one rises above individualistic concerns.
Noting the importance of diversity in a changing world, he added, “Diversity is the mix. Inclusion is making the mix work.”
Dr. Ajulo assured the young wigs of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA’s) support through its mentorship programs and regular bar activities. He called on them to make use of every opportunity for growth and guidance offered by the association, stating:
“Now that you’re a lawyer, our mission is to make you a leader in this esteemed profession.”
As the 2025 Call to Bar continues from July 8 to 10, the message from the Mentorship Committee stands as both a welcome and a challenge — a torch passed to ignite journeys that will shape Nigeria’s legal future.
