Uduak Ekott, a Nigerian lawyer on Saturday, May 4, 2024, delivered an inspiring speech at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law graduation ceremony, that resonated with the audience.
Ekott, the Student Ambassador for International Students and Graduate Legal Studies Representative at the University summarised the challenges and triumphs of the graduating class, saying:
“As people often say, your dreams are valid. I vividly remember the first day I walked into the law school, stepping into the beautiful library, and seeing the portraits of great alumni, thinking one day it would be me. Here we are today.
“Our celebration is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and belief in ourselves.
“This moment isn’t just about individual success—it’s a shared victory, built on the support and encouragement we gave each other along the way.”
Ekott acknowledged professors, family, friends, and the University’s Graduate Legal Studies International Office for their support.
“To our dear family and friends, you are part of the three-part stand upon which our success here today stands. We thank you immensely for your unwavering love and support,” he stated.
Sharing his personal experience, the Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Expert said: “My life has been a testament of resilience, and perseverance, and I dedicate this moment to my late father, who shared this dream and passion together with me.
“From losing my father and temporarily halting my chances of pursuing graduate studies, moving from Nigeria to the United States, and ultimately to the beautiful city of Bloomington for my graduate school, coupled with perseverance through immense financial hurdles, which I am sure most students here can totally relate, this experience has showcased determination and doggedness, epitomized by our saying in Nigeria, Naija no dey carry last.”
He also reminded his colleagues of the limitless possibilities ahead, noting that: “If you think, ‘What if I can’t make it?’ ask yourself, ‘What if I do?’”
“Our dreams are valid, and we have proven our ability to make them a reality. Let us try to show a little love today, tomorrow, and always.”
“Ahead of the ceremony, the Class of 2024 had honoured Uduak Ekott with the “Oustanding Contribution to Student Life Award.”
While at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Ekott volunteered for the Protective Order Project, a law student-directed project that assists victims in obtaining civil protective orders, and the Incarcerated Legal Assistance Project, which offers free legal research to incarcerated individuals.
As a testament to his dedication and love for volunteer work, he was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for his pro bono services by the Protective Order Project.
He was a member of the Student Bar Association, representing the graduate legal studies class, where he was a co-chair of diversity and inclusion.
He was also a student ambassador for the International Legal Studies Program, where he helped new international students settle in.
Ekott was part of the team that represented Indiana University-Maurer School of Law at the Cyber 9-12 Strategy Challenge at the Atlantic Council, hosted by American University-Washington College of Law, where the team finished as semifinalists among 42 teams and over 150 students.
He is a member of the Maurer Global Forum and a student member of the Nigerian American Lawyers Association. Here in Nigeria, he is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association.
