A contextual study of the information literacy of aspirant barristers in Nigeria

Abstract

The study upon which the article is based investigated the information literacy of aspirant barristers in Nigeria andexamined the efforts undertaken to restructure the legal education system in Nigeria. It explored the connectionbetween contextual influences and professional development, particularly with respect to the concept of legalinformation literacy and the value of acquired educational skills in the context of legal practice in Nigeria. Datawere obtained using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Key findings from the study were supportive of theimportance of information literacy as central to the development of professional competence of the aspirantbarristers which can be achieved through re-structuring the teaching methods and curricula of the Nigerian LawSchool (NLS). The study makes recommendations for the adoption and integration of information literacy as aconceptual framework by which skills training can be developed into the curriculum of the Nigerian Law School.