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Tag: First class

  • ‘How I went from bottom of class to First Class’

    Ajoke Halima Olawuyi was always at the bottom of her class in elementary school. But she turned things around to bag a Second Class Upper at the University of Ilorin and win a prize for excellent performance at the Law School. Olawuyi tells ROBERT EGBE her story.

    Fourth of seven kids

    My name is Ajoke Halima Olawuyi. I am from a family of nine and the fourth of seven children, two boys and five girls. I am from Irepodun Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State, although I spent most of my childhood and teenage years in Lagos State. My dad is a legal practitioner while my mom is a labour officer (Inspectorate) with the Federal Ministry of Labour.

    From bottom of class to First Class

    I attended St. Catherine’s Model School, Surulere, Lagos and graduated in 2005. My primary school experience was a life-changing one because I was always at the bottom of the class and in 2003, I was asked to repeat primary four. I cried so much from the embarrassment, but I realised that this made me a bit more serious about my school work. I later enrolled at Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, Maryland in 2011.

    I graduated from the University of Ilorin in 2017, where I obtained my LL.B with a Second Class (Upper Division) Hons. degree. Thereafter, I attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus in 2018 and obtained my B.L degree with a First Class. I was called to the Nigerian Bar in November, 2018. I am also currently an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK).

    Accompanying dad to court

    My dad is a senior lawyer in the legal profession. Although I accompanied him to court on a number of occasions when I was younger, I always had to sit and wait in the car till he was done with his court session. However, in recent times, I have had the privilege to attend some probate sessions with my dad and it has been very enlightening.

    I would have been a writer, if I hadn’t studied Law

    Contrary to popular conception, my parents did not influence my decision to study Law. My interest in Law developed from a movie I watched one day. Also, I discovered at an early age that I reacted differently to situations of oppression, especially rape. If I had not studied Law, I probably would have been a writer, because that is the next best thing I do. I have written a couple of poems and I am presently working on my first book.

    Law School was intense

    I always refer to law school as a different phase in my life unlike any other time because my experience there was “intense”. I went through Law School with a mind-set of “do or do”; I had a goal and I was determined to achieve it. I decided I had to read every topic before the class and this gave me an idea of what would be discussed in the class. It also made it easier to understand each topic while it was being discussed in the class. After the 20-week lecture, I still continued to read at every opportunity I got in preparation for my examinations. I had a small reading group as well when the exams were closer. The only other thing I did more than reading was praying.

    I would not describe Law School as challenging, rather I would say it was tasking, so, coping with Law School just means you have to find time to cover up the coursework. I had a reading plan and this helped me to organise my schedule.

    I also had extra time on my hands for other activities like hanging out with friends, watching TV shows and movies.

    Call to Bar

    My family was even more ecstatic than I was. Everyone was proud of me and that made me feel really special. The day of my Call, I had a little party and all my family members and friends of the family turned out for me. I got a lot of cash gifts from my uncles as well.

    Awards

    I was one of the recipients of the (Nigerian Law School) Director-General’s prize for First Class students in 2018.

    Challenges young lawyers face

    In my opinion, I think that young lawyers would have complicated issues with their seniors because the legal profession is one you learn while you are at the job, as you will often hear lawyers say that ‘practice is different from academics’. However, when a young lawyer makes a mistake, some senior lawyers would rather resort to making fun of you instead of putting you through. This is a demeaning practice that most times messes with the self-esteem and confidence of the young lawyer.

    On the issue of remuneration, I believe the pay given to young lawyers is not encouraging. Another important issue is that clients do not trust young lawyers enough to believe they can handle their dealings competently and this is not always the case, which is why you will find that your first clients would most often be your family.

    Marrying a lawyer?

    I have not given the issue of marriage much thought but when I decide to get married, the occupation of my partner would not be one of the factors I would consider.

    What I would change about the legal profession

    I know this issue has been resounded a lot of times but the delay in our country’s justice system is absurd, unwarranted and can be absolutely manoeuvred if all technicalities are cut off. Since the ultimate aim of the law is justice, I find it unjust that delay is used to deny litigants justice.

    Also, no human is infallible. When the Supreme Court discovers that there has been a miscarriage of justice, it is only right to recall the parties so as to ensure that so many other persons do not suffer from its decision due to the practice of stare decisis.

    The court system should be more ICT-oriented as the practice of keeping files is tenuous and archaic. There should be changes in the court environment as the courtrooms are in a dilapidated condition.

    Mentors

    I look up to my dad. He is and will always remain my mentor in the legal profession, majorly because he is a man of integrity who is genuine and sincere in all his dealings.

    I also look up to the Director -General of the Nigerian Law School for all his achievements in the academic area of the legal profession.

    SAN, Professor or Judge?

    I would choose to be a SAN in the future when I am qualified to be.

    The future

    My plan for the future is to work hard on my career growth and let all my contributions to the legal profession speak for me. However, in the nearest future I aim to obtain my LL.M in the aspect of law that has spiked my interest.

  • Salem varsity graduates 927, 37 with First Class 

    The Salem University Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday held its fourth convocation.

    Out of 927 students that graduated, 37 bagged First Class honours.

    The graduating students are from two academic sessions.

    Aside the 1st class graduates, 509 others came out in the Second Class Upper division, 368 in the Second Class Lower division, while 13 fell into the Third Class division.

    Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Dorcas Oluwade made this known on Friday at the third and fourth combined convocation ceremony of the institution.

    Oluwade, who hinted that the institution had concluded arrangement to integrate the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) into the university programme, said that the total graduating students comprise of the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 graduating sets.

    Read also: Muhammadu Buhari University: ASSU under fire for describing proposed institution ‘a joke’

    According to her: “adding ODL to our formal education in Salem University is the decision to make education available to all, and to bring it to the doorsteps of people where possible.”

    She maintained that the institution has raised and graduated global leaders who are capable of contributing positively to the economic development of the country.

  • Dangote, 81 students to get ABU’s Doctor of Letters, First Class

    Billionaire business mogul and President of Dangote Group of Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is to be conferred with Honorary Doctor of Letters during the convocation of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, next Saturday.

    Also, 81 students are to bag First Class when 15,289 students line up for the ceremony.

    One-time President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Hassan Adebayo Sunmonu, is also to be conferred with Honorary Doctor of Science at the event.

    President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to honour the event.

    A statement yesterday by the university’s Registrar, Abdullahi Ahmed Kundila, said the convocation lecture, titled: It’s All About the Human Capital …Stupid, will be delivered on Friday by the Founder/Chairman of Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) and former President of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.

    He said: “There are 15,289 graduands for the convocation. The number is made up of 10,803 first degrees and 4,486 postgraduates. The postgraduates comprise of 304 PhDs, 12 M.Phil, 3,092 Masters, 38 MBA by Distance Learning and 1,020 postgraduate diplomas.

    “The breakdown of the first degrees is as follows: First Class – 81; Second Class Upper – 2,043; Second Class Lower – 6,885; Third Class Honours – 1,502; Pass – 114 and Unclassified degree – 178.

    “Also, there are 15 best graduating students for the 2017/2018 across all faculties of the university. They will receive different prizes at the event from the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ibrahim Garba.

    “As for the honorary degrees, the university will equally confer a Doctor of Letters on Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and a Doctor of Science on Comrade Hassan Sunmonu.

    “The two honorary degrees recipients will be honoured for their immense contributions to the economic development of Nigeria and humanity.

    “Activities lined up for the convocation include inauguration of a number of projects in the university by the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, on April 26. The projects are as follows: twin deanery building for Faculties of Life and Physical Sciences, Geology Department’s extension, ABU Business School extension, ABU Site II entrance gate, Area G internal road and Biochemistry Department’s extension.

    “Still on Friday, there will be a convocation lecture at 3 p.m at the university’s Assembly Hall. It is to be chaired by the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Abubakar Adamu Rasheed.

    “On April 25, Prof Rasheed will witness the showcasing of some ABU Centres of Excellence and inaugurate projects all at the famous Kashim Ibrahim Library (KIL). This will be after the Vice Chancellor unveils the new signage of ABU gates at ABU main entrance and the North gate.

    “The convocation will be rounded off with the inauguration of 10 blocks consisting of 360 rooms built at ABU Site II and donated to ABU by Alhaji Dangote to alleviate the acute shortage of student accommodation in the university. The students hostel blocks named after the donor (Aliko Dangote Hall) is to be inaugurated by Alhaji Dangote himself.

    “Another three blocks of hostels also constructed in Site II by the university under the NEEDS Assessment Intervention project 2013 will be inaugurated by the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris. These hostels are named after the Emir in appreciation of the dogged fatherly role he always plays in the affairs of the university since his ascension to the throne 40 years ago.

    “Prof Garba is, therefore, inviting all 2017/2018 graduands, their parents and guardians as well as the public to this great event.

    “The Visitor to the university, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will be the special guest of honour while Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufa’I will be the chief host.

    “The Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, is to be the Royal Father of the Day while Prof Garba will be the host,” Kundila said.

  • ‘I’ve been on First Class grade from year one’

    For Miss Ajibode Elizabeth Toyin, hers was the result of consistency and diligence in study, and not surprisingly, she emerged the overall best graduating student of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ogun State, at the institution’s 10th Convocation.

    Miss Toyin made a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.84 in Chemistry Education.  She attributed the feat to the grace of God, hard work and determination to succeed against all odds.

    A total number of 2,723 students were awarded Bachelor’s degrees with 23 of them making First Class.  A total of 256 students also graduated with postgraduate degrees.

    Toyin revealed that she had been a first class student right from year one at the university and denied herself of many social activities to sustain the good grade.

    She also acknowledged the sacrificial support of her family and the favourable disposition of her lecturers who were always willing to help diligent students excel in their studies, as other factors that contributed to her excellent academic performance.

    She said: “I know I have to be focused about my educational pursuit, so I restrained myself from unnecessary activities. I don’t really joke with my studies, I read as much as I could, using the library.

    “I have some alumni as friends who also helped when I had difficulties having traveled the road before. Above all, the Almighty God has been my source of strength, so I return the glory to Him

    “While thanking God for this great achievement, I must as well laud my parents for being there for me as well as my lecturers who do not derive joy in frustrating their students or demanding bribes from them before they do their job. The experience would have honestly been very tasking and horrible.”

    According to her, the next thing on her mind is to proceed to the postgraduate school for a Master’s in Chemistry.

    Addressing the graduands, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, charged Toyin and others to remain good ambassadors of TASUED and use the skills acquired during their training to help build a more prosperous Nigeria.

  • Student breaks First Class jinx in Business Admin at UDUS

    A Salim Rufai has become the first graduate to get a First Class degree in Business Administration at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS),.

    The 26-year-old from Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State, graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.54, the highest in the department since its inception in 2001.

    Speaking with this reporter, Rufai said prayer, dedication and good mentorship contributed to his success.

    He said: “It always seems impossible until it is done. I believe that when there is success, there are many roads that lead to it. Two of these roads are dedication and prayer. I also believe my success is based on the acronym I created as my roadmap, the 3P’s (Patience, Persistence and Perseverance) and the 3I’s (Intention, Insight and Inspiration). These are what I tagged ‘The Success Formula’.

    “Of course, in the formula I created, I mentioned ‘Inspiration’. Many people inspired me and among them is Mallam Sadat Ibn Adam. He is my lecturer and indeed a great role model for me.”

    Asked of the challenges he faced during his studentship on campus and whether he partook in other activities on campus or not, he said: “The challenges I encountered were many but the life at Gidan Dalo village (a village within school premises where students reside in private-owned hostels) was so miserable. I managed to survive without security, good water, light, and others.

    “I was involved in social activities like football. I was involved in politics too because I was the President of the Association of my department and, I used to attend the MSS programmes.”

    Rufai advised students who think it was impossible to achieve such feat in some departments to disregard such thoughts. He said with prayer, hard work and dedication, nothing was impossible.

    “My advice to them is to stop believing in such fiction. Nothing is impossible with dedication and prayer,” he said.

    Rufai’s Head of Department, A. S. Junaid, an associate professor, confirmed he was the first person to graduate with a First Class since the inception of the department.

    “Yes, it is true,” he said. “He is the first person since the inception of the department in 2001.”

    Speaking on the students’ notion of the impossibility to acquire First Class honour degree in UDUS, the HOD said acquiring a first class honour is by students’ hard work and no department could deny any student who works hard for it.

    “Having a First Class? It is the students that can determine if they want to have it. Any student from any department or anywhere can get it if he or she works hard for it.   It is not given for free; and nobody can give First Class unless students work hard for it and do remember, it is based on merit,” he said.

  • ‘How we made First Class’

    The 50th convocation ceremonies of the University of Lagos may have come and gone, but some stories of outstanding success still linger. Mediatrice Nwosu, who encountered three friends who finished in the first-class category, reports

    OBI Ositadinma Franklin looked distinguished and radiant this sunny afternoon. Not that his academic gown or cap was different from that of his colleagues’; rather his was the radiance that comes with the accomplishment of success. Obi was one of the few students who graduated with first class in the 2016/2017 session, who were being awarded degrees by authorities of the University of Lagos this afternoon.

    In company of two other friends, who also finished in the first class category, Obi, who finished with an impressive 4.50 CPGA in Mathematics and Statistics, expressed delight at his feat, saying it was a result of ‘hard work and never giving up.’

    “I read every day and never gave up, even during my 400-Level first semester, when things got a bit tough and it seemed my dream of finishing with first class was slipping away. I had lots of challenges, especially financial and had to resort to conducting tutorials after my classes, including Saturdays and Sundays, to make some money and keep body and soul together. But I made sure I studied every night. Looking back, I can’t even remember how many times I was able to make time for church.”

    Having lost his mom and dad in his SS2 and SS3 respectively, Obi recalled that his final days in secondary school and all through his university days were tough and really challenging, but he was always encouraged by his mom’s words to always ‘strive hard for a better future.’ He also spoke of how he went days on empty stomach and ‘drank garri a lot,’ so he could have energy to read and pass.

    Like Obi, Esivwenughwu Emmanuel also graduated with first class (4.65) from the Mathematics and Statistics department. Recalling how he was able to accomplish the feat, Esivwenughwu said it was largely due to God and a gift of retentive memory.

    “I can only think of the grace of God, the strength given to me to read and a retentive memory, which helps me remember whatever I learn or read. I also had the advice and prayers of my mother, and friends who motivated me.”

    He advised fellow students who are aiming at the same feat to “strive hard, make reading their hobby and learn to ask questions if they don’t understand.”

    Esivwenughwu, who said his next immediate goal, is to “further his education in a known institution outside the country,” also advised them to make friends with responsible, God-fearing and intelligent people.

    Not to be left out of the elite first class club, was Anuoluwapo Aleem, who said she is currently undergoing her youth service at Arnergy Solar Limited in Lagos.

    Anuoluwapo, who also graduated from the Mathematics and Statistics department, said she has always been the best in Mathematics right from her primary school through to secondary school. She however said university was “a different ball game as it was quite challenging.”

    She had wanted to read Medicine because of the prestige attached to the title ‘doc’, but opted for Mathematics, when her first two choices (the other was engineering) didn’t come through. “At that time, I thought I was a failure, not knowing the plan God had for me.”

    Graduating with a 4.65 CGPA, Anuoluwapo, said nothing gives her more satisfaction than solving a mathematical problem.

    To come out with a first class, Anuoluwapo said was a combination of “self-belief, focus – even when things weren’t going well and an understanding of how each lecturer asked his questions and their marking scheme and strategy”, and of course, belief in God.

    The pretty lady, who said her first semester at 300-level was her most challenging said, “I’m a living testimony, I enjoyed God’s favour throughout my university days.”

    Explaining what made her 300-level most challenging, she said, “I had a non-scholar GPA for the first time and my CGPA was 4.49. At that point, I was on the edge of giving up hope of graduating with a first class. What kept me going was the desire to have a 5.0 GPA. And I had it in first semester 400-level.”

  • 24-year-old bags third first class in BUK Mass Comm

    After 43 years, a 24-year-old Rufai Omeiza Aliyu of the Department Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano, made history, as he became the third student to bag first class degree.

    The Nation learnt that since the establishment of the department in 1975 under the Faculty of Communication, only two students  had made a first class before Aliyu.

    Alhassan Ado Doguwa bagged a first class in 1990, and Victor Olunloye, 2010.

    The Kogi-born graduate, who had a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.51, dedicated his academic success to God . “I dedicate my success to God Almighty, who has been my strength all through my academic pursuit so far,” he said.

    Aliyu was born into Dahiru Ohindase family on April 25, 1993 at Okene Eba in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi Central. He lost his dad six years after.

    He recalled that his father’s demise left a vacuum for his mum to fill. “I must admit it was tough, but through perseverance, hardwork and prayers, I was able to achieve my goal, which has always been first class from day one.

    “It was really not easy, because along the line, there were so many challenges, but with God’s help, I was able to overcome them.

    “My mother has been my strength and pillar that supported me all this while through my primary, secondary and to the tertiary level, and to God be the glory, who has crowned her efforts, with this great achievement,” he said.

    Commenting on Aliyu’s feat, his level coordinator, Dr Ashir Ashir, said: “I discovered him at the end of first semester examinations of his 100-Level, when he posted 5.00, and had since monitored and mentored him till the end.

    “Omeiza is highly intelligent, a bookworm, a genius that is highly conscious of his background and I’m not surprised he joined the exclusive class of mass communication graduates at the end of his programme.

     

    Dr Ashir revealed, I have visited the school at odd hours to monitor him and each time, I found Omeiza in the Library, or in the classroom conducting tutorial for his course mates, and apart from this, he is good footballer.

     

  • ‘Missing First Class hurts’

    ‘Missing First Class hurts’

    Chiamaka Obiadi wanted to be a petrochemical engineer. But, one morning in her final year in secondary school, the dedicated science student decided she was going to study law. The 2015 alumnus of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka (UNIZIK) tells ROBERT EGBE why she was sad to make double Second Class Upper.

    Family

    I am Chiamaka Obiadi. I’m from Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State. My parents are teachers. Being the last child and the only
    girl with four elder brothers, people easily assume I had it rosy. (Laughs).

    My mother is quite the disciplinarian. However, in retrospect, I would say her approach helped to shape me to the woman I’m becoming today. I lost my dad when I was barely two, so, I have no memories of him. But from all I’ve been told, we have a lot in common. He was an academic to the core, read voraciously and had a strong personality!

    School

    I attended the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka (UNIZIK) and graduated in July 2015 with a Second Class Upper (2.1). I also finished with a Second Class Upper at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja campus in September 2016, a very ‘painful’ result at the time.

    I wanted to be a Petrochemical Engineer

    Interestingly, I was a science student and performed well in the core science courses, especially chemistry. I wanted to be a Petrochemical Engineer (Laughs). But when I assessed that my strength in mathematics may not sustain that ambition, I had a dilemma in choosing between Pharmacy and Medicine.

    Why I switched from sciences to arts

    The decision to study law was really what I can attribute to divine providence. I considered several things before making the choice, including the fact that I write well, I have a good command of English and had represented my secondary school in numerous debates where I excelled. Also, I never had a genuine interest in medical studies beyond that it was what most bright science students were expected to study. So, I felt I could as well take things a notch higher.  So, I woke up one morning, a few days to the deadline for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) registration, and told my mother I was switching to arts because I wanted to study law. She was quite supportive and came over to school to facilitate things for me. A lot of intensive studying to catch up and readjustments to the Art curriculum, and the rest is history.

    Call to Bar

    It was hugely celebrated. Everyone contributed their quota. My mother was at the forefront of all the preparations and ensured I had a grand one. My family travelled from different cities to Abuja just to be there and I haven’t felt more honoured. Two aunts of mine surprised me that day. In fact, they were more excited than I was and I always like to say that they, together with the friends that have stuck with me over the years, are the winds beneath my sail.

    I was sad to make a Second Class Upper

    Law school was a very robust experience and very instrumental to my formation. I’ll always cherish it. I was very active in group and class activities and, despite the intense academic workload, I accepted an appointment to the academics committee of the Students Representative Council and chaired the Civil Litigation team. I was also the Secretary, Catholic Students’ Association. I made quite a couple of friends and acquaintances and I was quite visible in class, so the pressure to make a First Class was high. Already I was aiming for and working towards it, so, I sincerely felt down when the result came out and I made a 2.1. More so, my breakdown showed I got a 4As and 1B+ so it was a narrow miss. But in all, the experiences were richly rewarding and I would not trade them for anything.

    Law school marking scheme is reasonably fair

    In all sincerity, the marking scheme can work great ‘injustice’ especially when one’s lowest grade makes a great difference in what one would ordinarily make. But what really is justice? If a set of people can satisfy the strict requirements for making a particular grade under the same environment, then it’s reasonably fair. Again, I’m of the school of thought that while examination may not be the best test of knowledge, until we devise a better means, we’re stuck with it.

    Most memorable day in court

    This was the day I was commended by one of the stern judges of the Abuja High Court. I appeared alone against a very senior counsel and I strongly opposed his application to recall a witness. My argument was upheld. In fact, counsel joined my Lord in expressing his satisfaction at my performance.

    Marrying a lawyer

    Before now, I would have screamed an unequivocal no (Laughs). Presently, I wouldn’t mind at all. I believe lawyers understand themselves well and I know more than a handful that run successful homes. But being a lawyer will not give the prospective Mr. Right an edge anyway.

    Day a judge called me unserious

    My most embarrassing day in court? A judge once called me unserious because I filed a Final Written Address way out of time even after complying with the Rules by paying the default fees. I felt terrible.

    What I would change about law

    I would rather change a few things about the court system such as revamping the system of filing to make it seamless and creating an efficient communication system for Court Registrars to ensure that the time of lawyers and litigants is not wasted.

    Salary can hardly make you comfortable

    Remuneration is a general problem (for young lawyers) especially in this field, and being that firms are private establishments, there’s only so much regulation that can be made to improve the pay system. But they can do better regardless.

    However, the home truth we shouldn’t lose sight of is that salary is hardly enough to make one very comfortable financially. As a National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) Associate, I was able to make do with my monthly salary and allowance, including the small fees earned from Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) briefs. With the service year being over, I see more prospects to earn better.

    The future

    My plan is a continuum. So, I’ll continue to fine-tune and streamline the ones already made. In the nearest future though, I’m starting a successful business, continuing with law practice, getting an LLM in Tax/IT/Commercial Law and championing social causes, particularly girl child empowerment and making education accessible for pupils in rural areas.

     

     

  • 186 make First Class as UI graduates 5,629

    186 make First Class as UI graduates 5,629

    Five thousand six hundred and twenty-nine students have graduated with various qualifications from 15 faculties as the University of Ibadan (UI) as the university began this year’s convocation ceremony.

    Of the figure, 186 students made First Class in the 2015/2016 convocation ceremony, which held at the International Conference Centre of the institution.

    Vice Chancellor Prof. Idowu Olayinka said the 5,629 graduands completed various academic programmes of the 15 faculties, including the Distance Learning Centre and Affiliated Institutions.

    For the first time since UI was established 69 years ago, a graduand, Ozibo Ozibo Ekele, broke the jinx in the Department of History by earning a First Class honours with a Cumulative Grade Point Aggregate (CGPA) of 6.6 out of a maximum of 7.0.

    The best graduating student for the 2015/2016 session, Daniel Kenechuku Nkemelu, of the Department of Computer Science, also returned with the CGPA of 7.0 out of a maximum of 7.0.

    Breaking down the grades of the graduating students, Prof. Olayinka said 186 made first class, 1,538 got Second Class Upper and 3,133 finished with Second Class Lower.

    The vice chancellor said 434 made Third Class, 81 got Pass while 257 were Unclassified.

    He enjoined the graduands to be good ambassadors of the school, saying they should impact the world positively.

    According to him, due to the strike by the academics and non-academic workers, some final year students could not complete their programmes early enough for the convocation ceremonies, hence the graduation of the 2015/2016 academic session only.

    Prof Olayinka said he was aware of public criticism of the large number of First Class graduates from the university, adding that the institution still maintained a high and competitive mechanism for undergraduate admission.

    The vice chancellor said the management was proud of the university’s graduates.

    He said: “Due to strike embarked upon by the four workers’ unions, namely the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Senior Staff Association of Universities (SSANU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and students’ demonstration during the 2016/2017 academic session, which caused multiple revisions to the academic calendar, our final year students could not complete their programmes early enough for the convocation.

    “As a result, we are having convocation for graduands of the 2015/2016 academic session. A total of 5,629 candidates will be receiving their First degrees on Monday and Tuesday (yesterday and today).

    “I am aware that there have been, of recent, strident public criticism of the large number of First Class graduates from our universities. I hasten to add that we are exceedingly proud of all Ibadan graduates. We see this phenomenon from the strategic point of view of input-process-output.

    “In specific terms, the Universities of Ibadan has arguably the most competitive mechanism for undergraduate admission in the country. Only one out of 16 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates who made the University of Ibadan First choice can secure admission here. Our admission process is transparent and merit driven while our faculty rank among the best in the country in terms of research productivity.

    “Ibadan is for the best and brightest. This has been attested to consistently by the Times Higher Education World University rankings in which Ibadan is the only University in the country ranked among the topmost 801-1,000 universities in the world.”

    Giving a valedictory speech on behalf of other graduands, the overall best graduating student in the Faculty of Law, Tolulope Ogunmodede, said hard work and prayers made him to achieve the feat.

    He noted that though he faced some challenges during his academic pursuit, he focused more on his priorities.

    Ogunmodede urged his fellow graduands to generate ideas that could make them entrepreneurs and not trade their integrity for evil.

     

     

  • ‘How I made double First Class in law’

    ‘How I made double First Class in law’

    Lawal Kazeem made a First Class in Law from the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State in 2016. He repeated the feat at the Nigerian Law School this year, making him the second AAUA graduand to make a First Class at the university and Law School. He shares his story with ROBERT EGBE.

    Background

    I cOme from a family of six; four females and two males, and I am the last born of the family. My father (now deceased) was a driver and my mother a
    petty trader. Growing up was a bit of fun for me, because, even though my parents were not rich, I vividly remember that I usually play around with my friends subject, however, to having done my assignments.

     

    Education

    My academic sojourn started at Shadow of Almighty Nursery and Primary School in Ajara, Badagry. I thereafter proceeded to Ajara Grammar School for my secondary school education. I was admitted to study law at Adekunle Ajasin University and graduated in 2016. I proceeded immediately to the Nigerian Law School (Kano Campus) and graduated this year.

     

    Choice of AAUA

    To be candid, prior to choosing Adekunle Ajasin University, I didn’t know anything about the school apart from the fact that my elder brother was there studying Political Science. It was he who eventually influenced my choice of AAUA. I never had any problem with getting admitted to the school, because AAUA’s admission process is transparent; all I did was study hard, met the required cut-off mark for admission to law, and I got admitted. From my first year, I realised that AAUA was perfect for me; the school’s up-to-date library, brilliant and dedicated lecturers, conducive learning environment and affordable tuition fees, etc made learning so interesting and fun.

     

    Making a First Class

    Making a first class was a deliberate pursuit. I was determined from 100 level to make a first class and I started having a first class CGPA from 100 level, specifically 4.56. However, some people told me it was not possible because no student had ever archived such feat in AAUA Faculty of Law. But in 2012, when Mr. Opeyemi Longe blazed the trail, his achievement inspired me and further strengthened my confidence and raised my hope. Hence, I resolved that if he could do it, so could I, and I eventually made it.

     

    Law School feat

    My next target was the Nigeria Law School and I was prepared for it.  Expectations were high and everyone was simply waiting for me to replicate what I had in AAUA at the Nigerian Law School. I remember vividly that before my final examination at AAUA, one of my lecturers, Mr. Ayeni specifically told me: “Kazeem you should be thinking of a First Class at the Nigerian Law School”. Besides, the quality of legal training I received at AAUA greatly helped me at the law school. AAUA has the best curriculum and learning environment. For instance, at AAUA Faculty of Law, all examinations are completed within one week which is the same at the law school. Also there were two unique courses I did that were of help at the law school; Practical Law and Clinical Law. The aforementioned courses exposed me to the practical aspects of law, especially draftings.

     

    How I got funds for my fees

    Funding my university education was not much of a difficulty because apart from the fact that tuition was affordable at AAUA, I really enjoyed the grace of Almighty Allah. I had very supportive family and friends. The Daramola family of Iwaro Oka took great care of me during my undergraduate days.

    I did find it it difficult funding my law school, but this was overcome with the help of my family members, the Dean, Faculty of Law, of Adekunle Ajasin University, Prof. E.A Taiwo, the Sub-dean Dr. M.C Ogwezzy, Mr. Adebayo Ojo Of Adebayo and Gbadamosi Legal Practitioners in Ibadan, my big Uncle, Mr. Yinka Fadayomi, Mr. Adekunle Adeyeye;  all these great persons and others that I cannot readily remember made my one year mandatory professional training at the law school a reality.

     

    Dating, distractions

    I was not in any relationship at the university and the Nigerian Law School, and it was of great assistance to me because I had no emotional issues to deal with.Yes, there were distractions, but all I did was to choose those forms of ‘distractions’ that further helped me, and I participated less in social activities.

     

    Motivation

    Although I cannot deny the fact that so many things motivated me such as the need to demystify law and to be an authority in my chosen field, I am largely self-motivated.

     

    Role models in the profession

    I have quite a number of them but I will mention just a  few, namely; Prof. E.A. Taiwo, Prof. Koyinsola Ajayi (SAN), Dr. M.C. Ogwezzy, Mr. Adebayo Ojo, and Mr. Kazeem Gbadamosi.

     

    Low times

    Yes, I had two specifically. The first was when I lost my loving father in 2008 and the second was in 300 level when I had the worst CGPA; 4.32.

     

    The future

    My plan is to be an authority in my chosen field through research, active practice and to also continue my legal education. Insha Allah, I am planning to undertake my Masters and Doctorial studies at Cambridge University, United Kingdom