SCOPE AND POWERS OF PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINARY TRIBUNALS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Statutes have identified and given recognition to some professions that are very important and exceptionally necessary for the development of a nation. As important as these professions, so also the decorum that must be maintained by the persons to be admitted to practice the professions. Sequel to this, the statutes established disciplinary tribunals to investigate and discipline any member of such professions who is found guilty of any misconduct contravening the codes and standards of the professions. The rationale for the establishment of these disciplinary tribunals which is, to ensure and apply the religious and moral beliefs peculiar to these professions in the discipline of their members is a welcome development, there are however some limitations and lacunas in some of the establishing statutes that need be examined, if justice must be attained as intended. It is these lacunas that this paper examines with the aim of offering the way forward.  Key words: Tribunal, justice, professional, statutes, adjudication, and jurisdiction.