Ghana School of Law SRC President-elect Isaac Nlason Petitions for Special Examination Dispensation

Isaac Nlason, the President-elect of the Students' Representative Council (SRC) at the Ghana School of Law, has officially petitioned the Independent Examinations Committee (IEC) to grant a one-time special dispensation for students facing academic referrals. The petition, submitted on August 17, 2026, seeks to provide relief for students who would otherwise be required to repeat an entire academic year due to failed examination papers. Nlason’s appeal is specifically aimed at ensuring that student progression is not unfairly hindered during a period of significant regulatory transition within the country's legal education system.

Under the proposed dispensation, the SRC leadership is requesting that Part I students who failed more than two subjects, and Part II students who failed two subjects, be permitted to rewrite those specific papers rather than repeating the full year. This transitional arrangement is designed to address the challenges brought about by the introduction of a new legal education regime, which includes the phased discontinuation of the existing Professional Law Course. The petition was formally addressed to Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei and copied to several high-ranking authorities, including the Chief Justice and the management of the Ghana School of Law.

Nlason emphasized that the request is rooted in the principles of fairness and continuity, arguing that the shifting educational landscape necessitates a compassionate approach for the current cohort of students. He maintained that such a dispensation would not compromise the rigorous academic standards of the institution but would instead provide a reasonable pathway for students to complete their studies. The SRC President-elect noted that the move is essential to mitigate the stress and financial burden associated with repeating an academic year, especially as the school moves toward a new curriculum and examination structure.

The petition comes at a critical time for legal education in Ghana, as the sector undergoes reforms intended to modernize the training of legal professionals. By advocating for these changes, the SRC aims to protect the interests of the student body while supporting the broader goals of the Ghana School of Law. The legal community and student body now await a response from the Independent Examinations Committee and the General Legal Council to determine if the proposed measures will be implemented for the upcoming academic cycle.