History has been made in Nigeria’s legal profession as Nehemiah Shanum Danjuma became the first deaf lawyer from Northern Nigeria to be called to the Nigerian Bar, marking a landmark achievement for disability inclusion and equal access to professional opportunities.
Danjuma was among the new legal practitioners admitted during the 2026 Call to Bar ceremony held at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja after successfully completing the Nigerian Law School programme. His journey to becoming a lawyer has been celebrated nationwide, with many describing it as a powerful reminder that disability is never a limitation to excellence.
Before attending the Nigerian Law School, Danjuma earned a Second Class Upper (2:1) degree in Law from the University of Ilorin, overcoming significant communication barriers while consistently advocating for greater accessibility for persons with disabilities throughout his academic journey.
Sharing the milestone on social media, he reflected on what becoming a lawyer meant after seven years of determination.
“I passed the Bar. I cannot put the feeling in the last 48 hours into words. This is the defining moment that marks the finish line of a seven-year academic marathon. The moment I become a lawyer.”
He described the journey as one built on “hard work, tears, sleepless nights, the fight for accessibility and inclusion, prayers, and sheer resilience,” while expressing gratitude to his family, friends and everyone who supported him along the way.
Beyond earning his legal qualifications, Danjuma has established himself as an advocate for disability rights, accessibility, human rights and inclusive public policy. Throughout his studies, he used his platform to highlight the barriers faced by persons with disabilities within Nigeria’s education system and society at large.
His achievement extends beyond making history. Danjuma is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a Member of the Institute of Linguists and Arbitrators, and an MTI Accredited Mediator, reflecting his commitment to expanding his expertise within the legal profession.
The announcement sparked an outpouring of support across social media, particularly from classmates and colleagues who witnessed his determination firsthand.
One close friend from the Nigerian Law School revealed that their friendship inspired him to learn sign language.
“My closest friend in NLS Abuja. Had to learn sign language so I could communicate properly with him. Got tired of using notes. Nemmy changed my life. Congratulations, my bro. Future AGF!”
Another former University of Ilorin classmate described Danjuma as “a jovial and cool guy,” while many others celebrated his achievement as a victory for inclusion, representation and resilience.
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