The Body of Benchers has issued a detailed notice ahead of the 25 November 2025 Call to Bar ceremony, mandating strict compliance with accreditation procedures, guest protocols, and dress code standards to ensure orderliness and preserve the event’s decorum.
According to the notice sent to all eligible aspirants, each candidate is required to upload the name of their guest on the designated portal at http://caltobar.bob.com.ng. Aspirants who complete this process must then collect the invitation card for their guest at the Body of Benchers Complex. Invitation card collection will run from 10:00 a.m. on Friday, 21 November 2025, until 4:00 p.m. on Monday, 24 November 2025.
For the Call to Bar ceremony on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, accreditation will take place between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. All aspirants must present their Nigerian Law School identity card for verification, while guests must present the issued invitation card along with a valid means of identification.
The notice also stresses a strict dress code to maintain decorum throughout the ceremony.
For female aspirants:
A black suit with a skirt (trousers are not permitted), white camisole, white collarless shirt, and black covered shoes without high heels
A lawyer’s gown and wig, which must be worn only after being called to the Bar; pregnant aspirants may adjust their gowns as necessary
Only natural hair is allowed; coloured hair, attachments, or similar enhancements are prohibited
No artificial nails, nail polish, henna, artificial eyelashes, or heavy makeup
For male aspirants:
A black suit, plain white shirt, bib, and black shoes, along with a lawyer’s wig and gown
A neat low haircut
No wrist accessories except a wristwatch
No dark shades, except for medical reasons supported by a medical report
The notice further states that bags are not permitted at the venue, reinforcing the importance of full compliance with all instructions.
The directive, signed by Daniel M. Tela, Esq., Secretary of the Body of Benchers, and dated 18 November 2025, urges all aspirants to follow the guidelines meticulously to prevent disruptions during the prestigious Call to Bar ceremony, a significant milestone for Nigeria’s aspiring legal professionals.
