Japhet Olayemi’s choice of Law was not an easy decision to make; Medicine also called as he was good in the sciences. After a failed grade in his first year, Olayemi – an alumnus of the Lagos State University – tells ANNE AGBI how determination and calculated efforts propelled him to success at the Kano campus of the Nigerian Law School.
My name is Japhet Olayemi, a legal practitioner and Associate at Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors. I’m from Oko-Irese in Irepodun Local Government Area (LGA), Kwara State.
Only lawyer in the family
I am the second of three sons and the third child (of five children) of Mr. and Mrs. Olayemi. I have two brothers and two sisters and I happen to be the only lawyer in my immediate family. I have an uncle who is a lawyer but not in active practice in Nigeria.
Why I chose Law
My Law journey was not without memories, right from secondary school through university and the Nigerian Law School. In Secondary School, I offered Mathematics and Further Mathematics and did well in those subjects too. I had contemplated becoming a medical doctor, joining the Army or becoming an architect, amongst other thoughts before I eventually concluded to study Law. Towards the end of my second year in senior secondary school, I decided to study law for so many reasons. The top is, I fancied how critical lawyers are, how spontaneous they can be and envied the respect they got. The closest, in terms of prestige, is the medical profession (with all due respect to them and other professions). I still have the nibbling urge to take a medical course. Lawyers appeal in a different kind of way. They can be very versatile too and there is no limit to what a lawyer can do or be. That is fascinating and is still a valid reason to pick Law, now. No particular person informed the decision but during the journey, I have admired a few lawyers and I take some as role models.
Failed grade in first year
One interesting memory from university has to be my “carryover” (failed grade) in my first year. It was a very funny incident but quite remarkable. I would have loved to share but let’s skip that part. Retaking the course taught me disciplined and hard work. These lessons were the horses upon which I rode through university and I’m still riding now. My experience in the Nigerian Law School was also incredible. I attended the Bagauda, Kano campus of the Nigerian Law School (NLS). The Nigerian Law School, unlike the university, was a different academic sojourn which required calculated efforts and high speed, given the volume of work and grading system. I read for six hours without taking a break for the first time during Law School – it eventually became a random habit. Every event was memorable, however, it’s best enjoyed once.
High, low moments
My lowest moment was my first year. The carryover dropped my result badly and I struggled to accept I was good enough. I had friends with better results, way better. This did not put me down for long, I picked up from the next semester and my result progressed per semester.
My highest point in university has to be my final year. I almost had a perfect GP (Grade Point) and I was able to manage extracurriculars perfectly without my academics suffering for it.
Law school success formula
Law school defies every formula, save for grace and hard work. And as I mentioned earlier, calculated efforts and high speed are top players for success in Law School but there’s no hard and fast rule to it. Grit is also important to succeed in life – even beyond Law School.
Succeeding in Law School requires hard work, strategy (calculated effort), good speed and enough prayer. It is difficult to explain Law School to a person that has not been there but to those that have been there, are currently there or will be going there, what I’ve mentioned will suffice and we will all agree. I didn’t graduate with a first class from the university but I had first class GP in my final year.
Extracurricular activities
The popular belief that lawyers are boring must be the most reckless assumption ever. Law students/lawyers are the best socialites in any arrangement – go and verify. In university, I engaged in a few extracurriculars; I was a Honourable of the Faculty for four years (LASULAWS-SRC), I served twice as the Head of Chambers of a student chambers on campus (Elias Chambers), I served as the General Secretary of the Christian Law Students’ Fellowship in Nigeria (LASU Chapter), I was the Vice President of the Energy Law Society, and I served as the 30th Chief Judge of the Lagos State University Students’ Union, amongst others.
Call to bar
Before my result, I had planned to do a solo call-to-bar. This did not manifest as my mother and sister duly represented my whole family. I didn’t have a party but I enjoyed the company of my family and friends who were there with me. It is a memory I relish.
Law School grading system
Grading system scrapped? No. Grading system reviewed? Maybe yes. To a large extent, grade does not comprehensively capture your ability but it tells your ability to reproduce knowledge, with accuracy. The Law School grading can be reviewed to a cumulative style as against the lowest grade style.
Wig, gown should not be scrapped
I do not agree that the wig/gown should be scrapped. The profession is reputed to be a noble and sacred one. I think the wig and gown add to it. It distinguishes a corporate person from a lawyer. In a world of suits and shirts, the wig and gown set lawyers apart. What I think should be done is to improve on making the courts more convenient for this outfit.
Marrying a lawyer?
I don’t think I want to. The profession is quite demanding and marrying a lawyer can affect the family. The early years can be very rough.
SAN, professor or judge?
SAN and professor. I have always fancied that.
The future
There are a number of fantasies. The end is to achieve a robust and profitable legal career whilst contributing to the country’s communal development.