Omotayo Dada, 23, a graduate of the University of Ilorin, made first class honours at the Nigerian Law School and emerged the overall best graduating student in 2022. She speaks to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about her stellar achievement
You graduated as the overall best student in the 2022 Bar Final Examinations at the Nigerian Law School. How do you feel about this achievement?
I got into the University of Ilorin in 2015 and graduated in 2021, got into the Nigerian Law School, Yenagoa Campus on November 29, 2021, and graduated on December 7, 2022. I felt very good, very happy. When I found out that I was the overall best student, I was so surprised; I almost couldn’t believe it, it was such a happy moment.
Why were you surprised?
I was surprised because, from stories and videos of past BGSs (Best Graduating Students) that I had watched and read, they were people with stellar academic records. I remember the very last one I watched; she was a three-time BGS before she became the best-graduating student at the Nigerian Law School. Most of these people had excellent academic records from secondary school and university; I didn’t even finish with first class at the university; I graduated with 2.1. Surprisingly, I graduated as the overall best student at the Nigerian Law School. I made first class. I was very excited. More than an academic achievement, I believe it’s a testament to God’s love and grace in my life.
How did your parents react when they learnt about your results?
Hmmmn, about my result, the first class, we found out at past 2am or 3am. I was fast asleep; I didn’t check it; my sister checked it for me. When she informed me that I made first class, I was filled with joy. We started screaming. We went upstairs to tell our parents. They were happy and joined us in screaming. I’m sure that even our neighbours were wondering what was happening.
I found out that I was the best graduating student on the first day of clearance and shared the news with my family members. Their joy doubled. I remember my dad announced in his office that I was the best graduating student at the law school. My parents and my siblings were happy and amazed at what God did for me.
What attracted you to study Law?
The funny thing is that when I was in Junior Secondary School, I used to follow my dad to the bank. So, I always wanted to be a banker seeing the way they looked and worked but I didn’t really like Mathematics at the time, so I didn’t even bother with it. I think the fact that my dad is a lawyer and also that I enjoyed debates and other similar competitions steered me in that direction.
What was your experience like in primary and secondary schools?
My primary education was in Kano State where I was born. I completed my Junior Secondary School studies in Kano too. I was a brilliant student in primary school. The first position in class was always between me and my best friend at the time.
For my secondary school education, I started in Kano and completed it at Rehoboth College, Ilorin. I was an Arts student, and I didn’t graduate as the best student in the Arts class but I’m sure I came close. I’m grateful that I attended the school; there’s a good blend of academic culture and godliness which helped shape my life.
University was good. I graduated with 2.1. I watched an episode of Insecure and I heard about the Impostor Syndrome, I later knew that I was suffering from it. I didn’t realise that it affected me and the goals I set for myself at the university. Going to the university, I did not have the ambition to graduate with first class; I just wanted to graduate with a CGPA not less than 4.0/5.0; and I am glad I was able to achieve that.
My last semester in school was when I read so hard, and wanted a perfect CGPA. I told myself to aim to have the best result I could get. I started to cultivate a mindset of excellence. Unfortunately, I didn’t graduate with a perfect GP that semester. Going forward, I told myself that I would always strive for the best. Initially, my goal at the Nigerian Law School was to make first class. I watched the last Call to Bar ceremony on YouTube and was inspired and told myself I wanted to be the overall best graduating student. To prepare I read about people who had achieved this feat. Beyond that, I prayed earnestly to God about it. I couldn’t rely on my strength; I trusted that with God on board, it was possible.
What were your toughest moments at the University of Ilorin?
As much as I did not aim for first class, I loved getting A’s and B’s. So, there were courses in the university that I was so sure I would get excellent grades in but the results were rather disappointing at times. Knowing that you could literally give a course your best and that still wouldn’t guarantee excellence in the course was tough for me to handle. Also, experiencing strike was tough. I never experienced it at the university until the very last semester. Seeing my mates continuing with their studies after the COVID-19 lockdown and even graduating while we were waiting for the strike to be called off was tough too. Sitting at home not knowing when I would be back to school to complete my programme was frustrating.
What study method worked for you?
I used to study in night classes and the library. I didn’t have group discussions at the university; I always loved to read and understand on my own. I also had very comprehensive notes that made reading easy for me.
In the law school, I was not a library person. I read in my room most times or in the classes. I read on my own and had very insightful discussions with my amazing roommates and friends, which really helped me. I realised that discussing with my roommates really helped me understand things better and faster. We could literally be going to buy food and I would be talking law. I was notorious for that. I would randomly ask my friends questions anywhere and I would expect them to answer or have a discussion about it. I will say having discussions really helped beyond my personal reading.
Were there times at the law school when you felt like giving up on your goals?
One could literally read for hours and still not feel confident enough about what one had read. I think the fact that you could literally do all that was expected of you, read as much as you could, and pray but still not confident about getting excellent grades was one of the challenging times for me. I think that really discouraged me at some point I’m the university, because it would always leave you wondering what you did not do right. The thought of giving your best, and still not getting the best can be frustrating.
Did you win prizes at the Nigerian Law School?
Yes, I got 10 prizes at the Call to Bar ceremony. I won the Council of Legal Education Star Prize for the Best Student of the Year; the National Association of Women Judges Prize for the Best Female Student of the Year; the Nigerian Bar Association Prize for the Best Female Student of the Year; the Director-General’s Prize for Attaining First Class; Sir Darnley Alexander Prize for the Best Student in Property Law Practice; Honourable Justice Aloma M. Mukhtar Prize for the Best Female Student in Civil Litigation; Honourable Justice Atanda Fatai-Williams Prize for the Best Student of the Year; Dr Teslim Olawale Elias SAN Prize for the Best Student of the Year; Sir Adetokunbo Ademola Prize for the Best Student of the Year and Honourable Justice Silvanus Ayere Ajuyah Prize for the Most Promising Graduating Student of the Year.
This is definitely a testament to God’s grace and love in my life. I was only able to achieve this feat with the help of God Almighty. It was God’s grace and I prayed and worked hard. It was really nice having those awards and I was very happy. It was a confirmation of what I believe that with God all things are possible.
Was there any form of social distraction and how were you able to cope or dealt with it?
Social distraction, I would not say I had any social distraction. I did not have any, I was just a member in all the extra-curricular activities, and I was not the most active member in the groups I joined. I was a member of the Intellectual Property Club, Human Rights Chamber, and Tax Club. I always participated in their sensitisation programmes because I particularly enjoyed those.
Do you have memories of discouragement?
In the law school, I was very intentional about the type of people I had around me; I moved only with people that were like-minded. There were people around who were saying very discouraging things, like it was enough to just pass, instead of aiming for first class. But I motivated myself and got encouragement from my roommates and friends. On days when I felt too tired or exhausted I would retire to YouTube to watch videos of the BGSs and draw inspiration from that too. I was very involved in the Chapel of Hope. I was in the prayer group as a member. I led prayers on some Sundays and sometimes during the weekly services.
What is your advice for students who equally aim for first class?
I would advise them to always strive for excellence and aim for the best. They should not let their mindsets limit them. The most important advice is that in all that one is trying to achieve, praying for God’s grace and mercies are very important. Trust God and pray. My story should be an inspiration. If I could achieve that feat, you can too.
In the next few years, where do you hope to be?
In the next few years, I hope to have found an area of law that I am passionate about and would love to specialise in. I also hope to be in a position where I can make an impact and add value even beyond my immediate environment.
Source: The Punch
Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?