**'Lawful' Obstacles** In a seemingly contradictory twist, thousands of Nigerian law graduates from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) are facing an uphill battle to be admitted to the Nigerian Bar. Despite a 2017 amendment to the National Open University Act, which aimed to bring the institution in line with conventional universities and eliminate discriminatory barriers, the path to the Bar remains unclear for over 4,000 NOUN law graduates. The 2017 amendment was expected to level the playing field for NOUN graduates, who have been at a disadvantage in the job market due to the lack of recognition of their qualifications by some employers. However, the Nigerian Law School, the body responsible for preparing students for the Bar, has refused to admit NOUN law graduates, citing a technicality in the amendment. The Nigerian Law School claims that the amendment only applies to graduates from 2017 onwards, leaving thousands of pre-2017 graduates in limbo. This development has sparked widespread outrage among NOUN law graduates, who argue that the Nigerian Law School is being discriminatory and unjust. Many graduates have completed their studies and passed their exams, only to be denied admission to the Bar. This not only affects their career prospects but also their financial stability, as they are unable to practice law and earn a decent income. The implications of this situation are far-reaching. If the Nigerian Law School's stance is allowed to stand, it could have a ripple effect on the entire Nigerian education system. It could discourage other students from pursuing higher education at open universities, which offer flexible and affordable options for students who cannot attend traditional universities. Moreover, it could perpetuate a system of elitism, where only graduates from conventional universities are considered eligible for the Bar. In conclusion, the path to the Bar for over 4,000 NOUN law graduates is indeed thorny. The amendment to the National Open University Act was meant to promote inclusivity and equality, but its implementation has fallen short. It is imperative that the Nigerian Law School reviews its stance and works towards a solution that recognizes the qualifications of all law graduates, regardless of their institution of study. Only then can we say that the Nigerian education system is truly inclusive and fair.