Abdulmajeed Oladayo Abolaji’s path was well-defined: he wanted to be a doctor. But his dream changed in his final year in secondary school. The 2017 alumnus of the University of Ilorin and 2018 Law School First Class graduate shares his story with ROBERT EGBE.
Family
I am Abdulmajeed Oladayo Abolaji. I am from Igbonna Town, Oyun Local Government of Kwara State. I was born and bred in Sokoto State, but I spent a good part of my growing up shuttling between Igbonna, Offa in Kwara State and Benin City, Edo State. I am the last of eight children of Alhaji Chief Adebayo Abolaji and Alhaja Salmat Abolaji of Igbonna Town. My father is a farmer, my mother, a trader.
University, Law School
I attended the University of Ilorin, in Kwara State, where I obtained my Bachelor of Law and graduated “Top 2” in a class of 166 students with a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in 2017. I immediately proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Augustine Nnamani Campus, Enugu, where I graduated with a First Class Honours. I was called to the Nigerian Bar on November 29, 2018 and received the “Director-General’s Prize for Attaining First Class”.
First lawyer in the family
None of my parents is a lawyer. In fact, I am the first lawyer both in my nuclear and extended family. So, apart from my flair for law and my contact with lawyers during my legal training, law has been an outsider in my family.
I would have been a medical doctor
My choice of law was inspired by my father who, even though not a lawyer, has enormous respect for the profession. As a matter of fact, I was a science student, who loved Physics, mathematics and biology with the aspiration of becoming a medical doctor. I became an art student at the tail end of my secondary education. Initially, my decision to study law was informed by the desire to fulfil my father’s wish. But few years into the study of law, I fell in love with the profession no less than I would have been if it were to be my childhood dream. I realised it is actually worth the hype. As a lawyer, I literally get to save as many lives as a medical doctor would (laughs...only a lawyer would understand what this means). I get to right wrongs, challenge injustice and I get to know something about every other profession. If not law, I would have studied medicine.
Everything happened so fast at Law School
Law School was a mix of stress and fun. At a point, the stress overwhelmed the fun though. Everything was happening so fast: the lectures, the group meetings, the tutorials and the religious obligation. The time was always never enough. Different methods of time management failed. Me being a slow reader and writer also did not help. I broke down (health-wise) times over. That notwithstanding, I was able to survive the hassle by focusing on the goal and remaining undeterred. I spent most of my time studying. Being a Group Leader, I was motivated and challenged by my group members to push forward. I was also involved in other activities too: I was the Welfare Director of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), I was in the Tutorial Committee, and I sometimes organised private tutorials, especially for the elders.
I, however, could not find time for some of my hobbies, neither did I have time for recreational activities. Despite that the campus has a well-equipped gym, I really had no time to avail myself of the benefits. But all the self-deprivation was worth it at the end of the day.
Law School is really a place to be, but not twice. I met people from different parts of the country and made some quality friends with whom I share memories that will forever be cherished. I sometimes miss the life in Law School.
I was overwhelmed with love after Call to Bar
There was no party for my Call to Bar, but everyone was obviously happy. My parents could not even attend due to their age. But my brother and sister attended. And that was it, although a lot of congratulatory messages came in through various media, from my family and friends both from Law School and university telling me how proud they were. I was overwhelmed with love and, for me, that is enough celebration.
Awards
I won the award for the “Class Representative of the Year, 2017” at the university, and I was also awarded the “Director-General’s Prize for Attaining First Class, 2018″ at the Nigerian Law School.
No big deal about first solo appearance
My first solo appearance in court does not really strike me as a big event. I am used to public speaking: I was a Class Governor for five years, I was a Group Leader at the Law School, Enugu and those who knew me then know me for either asking questions or answering one. So, my first solo appearance in court felt like one of those my public-speaking moments.
Most memorable day
My most memorable day in court was the day I had to argue a seemingly contentious motion. I was in charge of the matter (or so I thought) until I realised that I had to argue another motion for which I was not prepared. I stood up, not really sure of what to say until I started talking. After addressing the court, my prayer for adjournment with respect to the other motion was granted without cost. After the proceedings, a colleague, who was in court when all the events was unfolding approached me and said: “Abdulmajeed, I’m so proud of you”. He had been worried whether I would be able to pull it off. The truth is, I don’t know where the confidence came from, I just spoke.
I take each day in court as my date with destiny
I have not really had an embarrassing moment in court. You know being a new wig and a First Class graduate, the expectation is sometimes high. So, I always try to master my files and tidy all loose ends before going to court. So far, this has been working for me. Like my principal will always advise, I take each day in court as my date with destiny.
Law firms can do better for young wigs
I have had my fair share of that experience too. Being a new wig against principals/law firms with decades of experience, your bargaining power is limited or non-existent. You get your job on a notion of “take it or leave it”. At the end of the day, you find solace in “ learning on the job”, although there are few exceptions. However, I believe those principals/law firms can do better.
I can marry a lawyer, if…
Why not? I can marry a Lawyer so far we are compatible. The focus here is not on the profession, but on the value and substance embodied by the person I am dealing with. Is there room for growth, understanding and compromise? If yes, then I can go ahead. I believe these values are the bedrock in sustaining a relationship (and marriage).
Three years studying Law at university makes more sense
A lot needs to be changed in the profession. But first, if I could, I would change legal education. I believe you do not need to spend five years in the university before you learn all that is contained in the modules. I will give you a practical example: All the courses I did in my 100 level were repeated all through the other 400 levels. This, invariably, means that that year one was a waste of time. It will make more sense if we spend three years in the university, one year compulsory internship in a law firm and one year in Law School. If I could, I would also change some procedures in our administration of justice system. For example, the technicalities in the modes of commencing actions before the courts. I don’t see any reason a contentious matter (which the rules require to be brought by way of Writ of Summons) can’t be heard if brought by way of originating summons or even petition. Some counsel bank on these technicalities to delay the proceedings, especially when they have a bad case.
Why I admire Prof Osinbajo SAN, Pinheiro SAN
Although no longer in active practice, I look up to people like Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, who was able to achieve the height of two fields: the legal profession, as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the academics, as a University Professor (not to mention his achievements as a politician (winks). My mentor is Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, for whom I have enormous respect: for his advocacy skills and impeccable oratory prowess.
SAN, Professor or Judge?
I would love to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a Professor. My flair for advocacy is as huge as my love for academics. I will love to attain the height of both professions.
The future
I plan to proceed for my masters and PhD. Before then, I plan to develop my skills. If equipped with these, I believe I will be able to give back to the society.
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