One of the surviving pioneer students of the Nigerian Law School, Mr. Nathaniel Nnamdi Onugha is dead.

In an obituary notice obtained by CITY LAWYER, the family of the deceased wrote: “In 2024, was recognized by the Planning Committee for the 60th Anniversary of the Nigerian Law School as one of the two surviving pioneer students of the Nigerian Law School. He was a community leader and supported various philanthropic causes. He was married with six children.”

Onugha was among the eight pioneer students who commenced academic studies on January 2, 1963, at Igbosere in Lagos. The others were S. A. Ajuyah, J. S. Anyanwu, S. O. Chinke, I. A. Damiebi, O. C. Obi, I. O. Sonoiki and N. N. Wachukwu. 

• The pioneer set of Nigerian Law School students. Onugha is second from left (back row).

Below is the full text of the notice by the family.

NOTIFICATION OF THE DEMISE OF MR. NATHANIEL NNAMDI ONUGHA

The family of Nathaniel Nnamdi Onugha of Ugamuma Village, Obosi, Anambra State wish to inform you of the demise of our patriarch and diokpa, Nathaniel Nnamdi Onugha Esq. He passed away on the 15th of March 2025 in Brampton, Toronto, Canada.

Mr. N. N. Onugha was Senior Magistrate, Enugu, 1971 – 75, Chief Magistrate, 1976; appointed Deputy Chief Registrar, old Anambra State Judiciary, 1978; Chief Registrar 1986. He was appointed the Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice by Colonel Robert Akonobi, who was Governor of the old Anambra State (now Enugu and Anambra States) from 1987 – 1990.

Mr. Onugha later set up a private law practice in Enugu until he relocated to Canada in 1999.
In 1992, Mr. N.N. Onugha was appointed by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a member of the tribunal set up in response to the Zangon Kataf crises in Kaduna State. He was a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Member Rotary International, Enugu. He was Registrar and Legal Adviser to the Anglican Diocese of Enugu. He played key roles in establishing the Law Department of the Nnamdi Azikiwe, Awka. In 2024, was recognized by the Planning Committee for the 60th Anniversary of the Nigerian Law School as one of the two surviving pioneer students of the Nigerian Law School. He was a community leader and supported various philanthropic causes. He was married with six children.

He will be laid to rest in Obosi on the 5th of September, 2025. The details of his rites of passage is attached.

Please, accept the assurances of our highest regards.

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