2025-12-29 09:00:00
In an update published by Punch, the National Judicial Council reportedly shortlisted 28 nominees for Federal High Court appointments while 34 candidates were said to have failed an integrity test under updated recruitment guidelines.
The screening reflects an institutional push to reduce the entry of persons of doubtful character into the bench, amid fragile public trust in justice delivery.
The Guardian also reported that “No fewer than 34 lawyers… have failed the integrity test” and were removed from consideration, noting that petitions featured in the eliminations.
If sustained, the reforms could shift incentives—making reputational vetting and petition handling as important as technical competence in judicial appointments.
Punch reported the integrity test filtered out dozens of applicants, while The Guardian wrote, “No fewer than 34 lawyers… have failed the integrity test.”
Echotitbits take: Integrity screening is welcome, but transparency is key. Watch whether NJC clarifies criteria, petition handling timelines and appeal safeguards so the process doesn’t become opaque or politically weaponised.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/csp-33-others-fail-judges-integrity-test-njc/ — December 29, 2025
The Punch 2025-12-29
Photo Credit: National Judicial Council
