Professor Indicted for Exam Malpractice among 69 Lawyers Shortlisted for SAN

The Dean of the Faculty of Law at the Taraba State University. Prof. Benedicta who was caught and later suspended for examination malpractices has made the short list of likely recipients of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Daudu, an associate professor of law and head of the department of jurisprudence and international law formerly at the University of Jos, was caught cheating while taking an examination for a master’s degree in research and public policy at the same institution.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has released a shortlist of lawyers to be considered for the rank of senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The rank is reserved for Nigerian lawyers who have distinguished themselves in legal practice, either in the advocacy or academic lines.

Among the 69 lawyers shortlisted is, Daudu, a professor, who was caught and suspended for examination malpractices.

The university’s department of research and public policy accused her of smuggling in prepared answers during the examination for the global context in the public policy course.

In December 2016, the university suspended Daudu while trying to properly investigate the issue.

Daudu’s membership of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption was immediately suspended.

Although the lecturer instituted a legal action against the university, it was later learnt that Daudu and the UNIJOS management reached a settlement agreement out of court.

She resigned her appointment and was paid off.

Announcing the shortlisted lawyers for the awards, Hajo Bello, chief registrar of the supreme court, in a statement on Thursday, invited members of the public “to comment on the integrity, reputation and competence” of the shortlisted candidates.

Kayode Ajulo, a human rights activist; Funmi Falana, wife of Femi Falana and Folashade Alli, daughter of Afe Babalola and Adeola Adedipe, a constitutional lawyer, also made the list.