A civil society coalition, the Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG), has expressed support for the Council of Legal Education's decision to investigate concerns surrounding the law school qualification certificate of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu. In a statement released on Wednesday, April 29, the group's president, Ogakwu Dominic, commended the council for establishing a committee to examine the petition and urged its members to complete their work without external interference, as reported by The Guardian.
Coalition Calls for Due Process
The coalition emphasized that while Kalu has the right to defend himself, the council must ensure due process is followed. The Council of Legal Education, during its meeting on April 17, 2026, formed a three-member committee to review the petition. In a letter dated April 21, the council requested Kalu to submit a written response within seven days.
Questions Over Timeline
The petition raises questions about the overlap between Kalu's participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program and his enrollment at the Nigerian Law School. According to documents cited in the petition, Kalu was admitted to the law school in 2010 and signed a declaration stating he would not be engaged in employment or NYSC service during his studies. The petition also references his NYSC discharge certificate, which covers a period that coincides with his time at the law school. Legit.ng could not independently verify these claims.
Legal Team Responds
Kalu's legal team, Olaniwun Ajayi LP, responded to the council in a letter dated April 28, arguing that the petition should be dismissed. The lawyers contended that the petition is legally flawed and questioned the council's authority to take certain actions after a qualifying certificate had already been issued. They also argued that no law expressly prohibits participation in both programs simultaneously.
Council Keeps Probe Private
The civil society group expressed concern that legal disputes could hinder the review process and called on the council to remain focused on its assignment. The Council of Legal Education has not publicly commented on the matter. Its Secretary and Director of Administration, Aderonke Osho, confirmed that correspondence had been sent to Kalu but stated that the review process would be handled privately.
Kalu Denies Wrongdoing
Kalu has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that his legal qualifications are valid. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in September 2011 and remains enrolled as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Deputy Speaker Kalu Bags PhD in Law
In related news, Deputy Speaker Kalu was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) in Law by the University of Calabar. This was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday, April 12, by the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP). The RHP congratulated Kalu, noting that the Abia-born politician and alumnus of the University of Calabar was decorated with full academic regalia on Saturday, April 11, after earning the PhD degree.
