Daniel Otera
On 23 September 2025, Jordan Nyesom-Wike, the eldest son of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike of the Court of Appeal, was among the 5,728 new legal practitioners admitted to the Nigerian Bar. His admission followed the Call to Bar ceremony held from 8 to 10 July 2025 at the Nigerian Law School in Abuja. This moment marked a significant milestone for Jordan as he became one of the many barristers and solicitors admitted to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The Call to Bar ceremony in July 2025 witnessed a historic number of inductees, with 5,728 candidates passing the Bar exams, making it the largest batch ever admitted to the Nigerian Bar. The Body of Benchers, led by Chief Olukayode Ariwoola, Chairman, presided over the event. The new lawyers swore the oath of office and officially joined the legal community, based on their success in the June 2025 Bar Final Examinations.
The 2025 Call to Bar ceremony marked a historic occasion for Nigeria’s legal landscape, as the Body of Benchers processed 5,728 applications for the Bar exams. Approximately 84% of the candidates passed, reflecting their rigorous preparation and commitment to the legal profession. Jordan’s admission into the Bar signifies not only his personal achievement but also the continuation of a family legacy deeply rooted in public service and law.
Jordan Nyesom-Wike’s induction into the Nigerian Bar follows a path paved by his parents’ significant contributions to Nigeria’s legal and political spheres. His father, Nyesom Wike, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1997 after earning his Bachelor of Laws from Rivers State University of Science and Technology.
Nyesom Wike’s legal career quickly gained momentum. He served as Commissioner for Education in Rivers State from 2007 to 2011 under Governor Rotimi Amaechi. His time as Commissioner marked a significant chapter in the state’s education reforms. Wike’s next key role was as Chief of Staff to Governor Rotimi Amaechi from 2011 to 2013, where he helped steer the administration’s policies.
In 2013, Wike was appointed Minister of State for Education, a position he held until 2014. During his tenure as Minister of State for Education, Wike was involved in several national educational reforms. After this, he returned to Rivers State politics and successfully ran for governor.
In 2015, Nyesom Wike’s political career reached new heights when he was elected Governor of Rivers State, a position he held for two terms. His tenure was marked by transformative infrastructure projects, including the construction of over 1,000 kilometers of roads and the establishment of 12 new health facilities. These efforts significantly improved the lives of Rivers State citizens and contributed to the state’s rapid development.
In August 2023, Nyesom Wike was appointed as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Under his leadership, the FCT’s 2025 proposed budget was pegged at N1.81 trillion, with N1.31 trillion allocated to capital projects in sectors such as road networks and water supply. His commitment to infrastructure development remains steadfast, demonstrating his ongoing dedication to public service.
Jordan’s mother, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, has had an equally distinguished career. After being called to the Bar in 1998, she rose through the ranks of the judiciary, serving as a magistrate, Chief Magistrate, and later a high court judge. In 2012, she was appointed a judge of the Rivers State High Court. Since 2024, Justice Nyesom-Wike has served as a judge on the Court of Appeal, following her elevation to the position. Her professional journey has cemented her place as one of the most respected members of Nigeria’s judiciary, with a career marked by dedication and legal excellence.
In a touching display of family unity, photos shared on social media captured Nyesom Wike and his wife, Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike, proudly posing with Jordan ahead of the event. The family’s close bond and collective commitment to the legal profession were evident as they marked this milestone in Jordan’s career. Nyesom Wike, in full regalia, joined senior lawyers and judges in a traditional procession at the event, showcasing the family’s involvement in shaping Nigeria’s legal system.
Jordan’s educational journey before law school has remained largely private, but his induction into the Nigerian Bar is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. His admission to the Bar is not just a personal achievement but a continuation of the Wike family’s influential legacy in Nigerian law and public service.
As Jordan embarks on his legal career, he steps into a field that has long been shaped by his family’s contributions to justice and public service. His admission into the Nigerian Bar marks the beginning of a promising future in law. Given his family’s history and the legal training he has received, Jordan is well-positioned to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s legal landscape.
In a recent statement during the flag-off of a road project in Mabushi, Wike expressed his readiness to present his work to the residents of the FCT. He stated, “No room for excuses, I’m ready to present my scorecard to FCT people.” He further emphasized his commitment to accountability, adding, “Everybody should be committed because I have said that whether you are a civil servant or National Assembly member, a time will come when they will say operation show your report card. You can’t run away from it, for us in the FCT, let the residents of FCT call us and say come show your report card and tell us what you have done. We are prepared any day, any time to say look, people of Abuja, this is what we have done.”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has seen consistent growth, with over 140,000 active lawyers as of 2025, spread across 129 branches nationwide. This expansion underscores the growing demand for legal services in Nigeria, as well as the increasing number of law graduates entering the profession. The steady rise in membership highlights the evolving dynamics of the legal landscape and the expanding role of legal professionals in various sectors across the country.
Once admitted to the Nigerian Bar, new lawyers like Jordan are authorized to practice in all courts, provided they complete a one-year mandatory pupillage under the supervision of a qualified principal. This apprenticeship is crucial for ensuring that new inductees gain practical legal experience while adhering to the professional ethics and standards set out in the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023.
The Rules of Professional Conduct, published by the General Council of the Bar, serve as the foundation for maintaining discipline, integrity, and professionalism within the legal community. These rules cover various aspects of legal practice, including conduct, anti-money laundering efforts, and the prevention of financing terrorism.
Jordan Nyesom-Wike’s induction into the Nigerian Bar marks not only a personal milestone but also a continuation of the Wike family’s longstanding contributions to law, public service, and justice.