Oladipupo Amoo is a First Class graduate of the Faculty of Law, University of Benin, for the 2020/2021 academic session. In this interview by YUSUF ABDULKADIR, he speaks about his academic journey.
How did you feel when you realised that you were going tograduate with such with First class?
I was overwhelmed with joy. All the years of hard work and sacrifice had finally brought success. It was also a day of gratitude, as I was able to achieve this through the help of God.
Was it your idea to study Law or did your parents advise you to study it?
When I was in primary school, I was asked by my parents what career I would like to embark on in the future and I responded that I would like to be a lawyer. I didn’t fully understand what it meant at the time. But, from then on, I saw law as my preferred career and it eventually materialised.
What role did your early academic background play in what you achieved at the university?
It played a major role. I am proud to say that the secondary school I attended − Saint Saviours High School, Ikotun, Lagos, shaped me positively for my university education. My teachers then were always focused on us understanding the different subjects we were taught and expressing ourselves in an organised and coherent manner. Little did I know that it was preparing me for a course where how you demystify any problem presented to you is very important. My secondary school teachers also made sure we memorised everything − from the poems we did in Literature, to the different periods of political unrest in pre-independent Nigeria and other historical periods in government. I’m forever indebted to Mrs Okafor, Mrs Aiyedun, Mbanaso, and my other secondary school teachers for their contributions to who I am today.
How easy was it to secure admission to the university?
It was not very easy. I wrote the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination twice before gaining admission to study Law.
What were the things you set out to achieve in the university, and how did you achieve them?
From the beginning, I knew I wanted to be excellent. So, I focused completely on that. I also wanted to involve myself in some extracurricular activities while still having the best grades. To achieve this, I had to make good use of my time. I took advantage of every free time I had as an opportunity to study since I often had either moot and mock competitions or public speaking competitions to prepare for while school was in session. I was a very consistent person, and I always showed up. On good days, bad days, or terrible days, I showed up. Even when I was ill, I would still make out time to read or do other faculty engagements as much as my strength could carry me. Consistency, determination and grit helped me achieve all-round excellence.
Apart from the good grades you amassed, what other skills did you acquire?
Research, communication, and presentation skills. I acquired these skills because I involved myself in moot and mock competitions, and public speaking competitions, and eventually became the Chief Judge of our Law students’ association court.
It is generally believed that success comes with hard work. Were there things you had to sacrifice to stay on track?
I had to sacrifice having time for myself. I read all the time. I didn’t watch movies when I was in school. I didn’t go out much. My fourth year was a challenging year for me, as I had to double my efforts and didn’t know when I completely abandoned some of my friends. My undergraduate journey has made me realise that no matter how you try to create a balance, you will have to sacrifice one thing or the other on the path to success.
What type of friends did you keep as an undergraduate?
I am not the kind of person who looks out for a particular type of person to be friends with. Every friendship I entered into was genuine. There was never a purpose or a reason for being friends for me. It was simply meant to be. However, I must acknowledge that I had a reading group and we called ourselves the Achievers. We only started reading together as a group in our third year because we all sat around each other in class and read in the same lecture theatre together at night. We are close friends to date, and I must say that they were instrumental to my success and always pushed me to be the best version of myself academically.
How did you balance your academic work with your extracurricular activities?
I had a plan. I attended as many classes as I could. I knew that my lecturers loved students who showed that they understood what was taught and who also approached the examination or test questions based on the different analyses given in class. I had a note for every course which I used as the basis for my personal study notes. For the classes I could not attend as a result of several activities, I always copied the notes by myself and made sure that I highlighted important points made by the lecturer. This way, I was able to study smart and deliver the most appropriate examination paper.
Were you at any point worried about not making a first class?
No, I wasn’t. I knew I would graduate with a first class. There was no way my hard work wouldn’t pay off for me.
What is your plan now? Do you want to study further?
I am currently interning at a law firm while awaiting my resumption at the Nigerian Law School. I also intend to further my education up to PhD level.
Who are your mentors?
Mr Asue Ighodalo (Founding Partner, Banwo & Ighodalo).
As a law graduate, do you think any part of the Nigerian legal system needs amendment?
Yes. I think there shouldn’t be so much delay in getting justice, as there is today. Some cases have been in court for close to a decade. Effective measures should be put in place to ensure the legal system gives a swift response to the common man. Justice delayed is justice denied.
What was your happiest moment in school?
The day that I saw I had a 5.0 GPA in my fourth year, second-semester results.
What was your most challenging moment?
It was the moment my fourth year, first semester results were published. I have never felt so defeated. I had to reassure myself continuously that I knew what I wanted and no setback was going to stand in my way. I had all As in my second-semester results.
What could a prospective law student do to excel?
Be very open to learning. Learn, unlearn and strategise as many times as you can. This is the only way you will be able to overcome whatever academic setbacks you might face. Most importantly, develop a mindset centered on consistency. It is in the place of hard work and consistency that your miracle awaits you.
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