Abuja, Nigeria
A leading Nigerian non-profit, the Johnny Agim, SAN Foundation (JASAN Foundation), is spearheading efforts to officially establish mentorship as a core part of the country’s legal profession. The foundation, which focuses on mentorship, sponsorship, and reform in the legal sector, hosted the second edition of its flagship event, The Legacy Dialogue 2.0, in Abuja on October 24, 2025. The event was themed: “Institutionalisation of Mentorship in the Legal Profession: A Strategic Blueprint for Professional Development.” According to the Foundation’s President, Johnny U. Agim, SAN, the dialogue aims to nurture a generation of ethical and competent lawyers who can redefine the standards of excellence in Nigeria.” At a time when new lawyers face significant challenges navigating their career paths, and the profession grapples with sustaining its tradition of excellence, the need for a structured, enduring mentorship framework has become even more urgent,” Mr. Agim said in his welcome address. He noted that this year’s dialogue moved beyond mere conversation to proposing a formal, lasting framework for mentorship as a vital cornerstone for institutional continuity within the Nigerian Bar and Bench.
Ambitious Targets and New Technology
The Foundation has set an ambitious goal to create a network of 500 accomplished young lawyers over the next decade. These lawyers are intended to attain positions of distinction, such as Senior Advocates of Nigeria or Judges of Superior Courts, effectively becoming “institutions in themselves.”Mr. Agim also highlighted key progress since the inaugural event, including the 2024 launch of a ₦1 Billion Endowment Fund for Legal Education. He announced that beneficiaries of the foundation’s scholarship have gained admission to the Nigerian Law School and will be integrated into the new mentorship programme upon their Call to Bar. Additionally, the Foundation unveiled a new online mentorship platform, described as a digital ecosystem designed to manage mentorship activities with increased professionalism and accountability. While the flagship #Legacy500 Elite Sponsorship Programme aims to expand its annual intake, Mr. Agim stressed the rigorous selection process. Following an application period that attracted 86 candidates, only nine applicants were ultimately selected for the 2025/2026 JASAN Foundation Scholarship Awards, which cover full tuition at the Nigerian Law School. The foundation President concluded with a call for collective action, urging stakeholders to join the effort to build a “lasting legacy” in the legal profession.
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