I chose to study Law to reform Nigeria, fight injustice —Bowen’s valedictorian

Twenty-three-year-old Diana Tubosiya Ibama from Kalabari in Rivers State scored a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.95 to emerge as the best graduating student of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, for the 2018/19 session from the Faculty of Law. She spoke with KOLAWOLE MUHAMMED.

You’re a Christian?

Yes, I am. I attend Baptist Church.

Was your religious affiliation responsible for your choice of Bowen University?

Well, not necessarily. I initially chose University of Lagos, but I missed the post-UTME. I didn’t want to stay an extra year at home. Coincidentally, my mother found out about Bowen University from a family friend whose in-law attended the school. Since it’s a Baptist university, the decision became straightforward. That’s how I ended up at Bowen.

Was Law your first choice of course?

Yes, but I did not get Law when I was given admission by Bowen; I was given Mass Communication. That was in 2013. The plan was to change my course after spending a year on Mass Communication. However, I couldn’t transfer to 200 Level Law; I had to start over from 100 Level when I crossed to Law.

How did you feel having to start over at Law 100 Level?

I felt devastated. I already did courses that were the same with what I would do again in Law Part 1; my CGPA was 4.88. When I was denied, I was sad. I remember calling my dad to inform him that I would like to continue with Mass Communication. I didn’t want to go back to Part 1, but he reminded me why I chose to study Law in the first place. His words encouraged me not to lose the focus on the Law programme.

So, what was the motivation for choosing Law?

Back then in SS2, I had a conversation with my Government teacher, Mr Sam Achibald. We were discussing Nigeria and he asked what I wanted to do for the country in the face of the challenges it was facing. My opinion was that majority of the problems plaguing the country came from lack of or poor implementation of rules in the country. Laws and regulations, including the constitution, were not being executed. My ambition was to make Nigeria better by using the law as a tool for social (re)engineering. I had the idea that if I could become a judge, I would try to enforce the implementation of the law and make sure the society would be better off for it. The law has the capability to influence people and their actions and ultimately change the system. In addition, I am a big fan of equality, equity, justice, fairness; so when I see people who are qualified miss out on opportunities because of ‘connection’, I feel bad and I become more convinced that the law could be used to right such injustice.

Was it your plan all along to make first class in the university?

To be honest, I didn’t understand what CGPA meant or where first class started from. My only goal was just to have good grades and do well in the university. My first two semesters were amazing and it was then that I found out what first class meant and I felt wow, I can do it. Having a first class degree was not premeditated; just a desire to do well.

How easy or difficult was it to perform that brilliantly?

It was extremely challenging. Every time I had a 5.0 GP for a semester, it was surprising. As we moved higher, the courses became tougher, as well as the lecturers. At the start of every session, my goal always was just to do well, not necessarily to make perfect grades. It was just God.

Did you have time to participate in any extra-curricular activity?

In my faculty, we have different chambers which competed regularly. I was part of the Equity Chamber and I became the deputy governor of my chamber at 400 Level and the governor at 500 Level. During my time as the deputy governor and governor, we won every competition we competed in. I also occupied the position of academic director for Christian Law Students Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON).

How often did you read to make such an outstanding grade?

Ah! I read as much as I needed to read. One trick that the dean of my faculty taught us was to read after every day of lecture. I tried my best to follow this guide as I read almost every day we had classes. Not to make it look like a fairy-tale, there were days that I didn’t adhere, but I obeyed more times than I didn’t.

Were you at any point discouraged; felt like not continuing with the programme?

There were times that I got fed up and really exhausted, especially in my final year during project writing. Fortunately, I had a close circle of friends that were pushing me and made sure I didn’t relent. We all had the aim of making good grades and making our parents proud. They really helped me; we helped one another.

How did you cope with stress?

The close group of friends that I earlier mentioned was there to help. Sometimes, we would just talk, gist, listen to music, take ice cream and relax. I also tried to make sure that I didn’t get overwhelmed with stress.

Do you feel you enjoyed any special favours from your lecturers?

While I had a good relationship with almost all my lecturers, that did not influence my grades. I know because there were tests that I didn’t do well in and I got the score I deserved. It was not all of my tests that I did well in.

How did your parents feel after informing them that you had the highest CGPA in the whole university?

I called my sister first and she told my mum. My mum started crying on the phone when she called me thereafter. My dad, on the other hand, tried his best to conceal his emotions while congratulating me, but it was obvious that he was overjoyed.

What are your plans after first degree?

I want to further my studies. After my master’s degree, I want to go into practice, in Nigeria or wherever I do my master’s, get experience and make a lot of impact using the law, as a lawyer and as a judge.

What’s your philosophy of life?

I am the take-it-step-by-step person who does not leave anything to chance. Have a blueprint of what you want for your life but don’t pressurise yourself to meet unnecessary standards, else you can burn out easily.

Do you think you can repeat this performance in Law School?

I trust in God to help me repeat first class in Law School.

Do you have any advice for students who wish to follow in your footsteps?

First, I didn’t do anything without God, so, hold on to God. Make sure that you allow the university to pass through you. Prioritise your time and do not waste away your time on social activities. Keep your eye on the prize and don’t lose focus.