Law: Meaning, Scope, Duration and What to Know Before Applying

Law is the study of legal rules, principles and institutions that regulate conduct and relationships within society. It deals with how laws operate, how they are interpreted and how legal rights, duties and obligations are established and applied. In Nigerian universities, Law is offered as an LLB (Hons) programme. The programme gives students a foundation in legal studies and develops their ability to understand, interpret and apply legal principles. The Law programme covers different areas of legal study. These include Civil Law, Common and Islamic Law, International Law and Jurisprudence, Islamic Law/Sharia Law, Private and Islamic Law, Public and International Law, Law and Common Law. Studying Law involves extensive reading and engagement with legal materials. Students develop skills in legal reasoning, research, interpretation, analysis and communication as they progress through the programme. The LLB degree lasts for a minimum of five years for candidates admitted through UTME and four years for Direct Entry applicants. Some universities may also accept candidates with good Honours Degrees into a four-year LLB programme. Law requires serious academic commitment because students have to understand a wide range of legal principles and work extensively with legal materials. After obtaining an LLB, candidates who intend to practice as legal practitioners must complete the relevant professional training and qualification required for legal practice.