Gifty Nnaji graduated as the best student from the Faculty of Law, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, for the 2023-2024 session. She finished with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.93 on a scale of 5.00. In this interview by AYO AKANO, she speaks about her academic journey, the law, and other issues.
Did childhood experience, secondary school influence, or advice/mentorship have anything to do with you deciding to study law or become a lawyer?
My decision to study law wasn’t driven by a childhood dream or family influence, nor did I always know that law was my path. Over time, when I started studying law, I fell in love with the profession, every case, every law, and the endless potential for making a difference.
In secondary school, when it was time to choose a field, I felt the pressure to follow my family into science. But in Year 10, we had a programme called “Year 10 Special,” where we explored different fields, art, science, and commercial to help us decide our path. During this time, we also had a career week where professionals came to speak to us. Hearing a lawyer talk about their work was a turning point. Though I knew little about law, I felt an immediate pull it was like love at first sight.
Despite advice to consider other fields, law felt like the right choice. After passing WAEC and JAMB, I entered the university to study law. In 100 level, I had moments of doubt, especially during the COVID period, but in 200 level, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. Law had become my passion and purpose.
Of all the universities in Nigeria, why Bowen University?
Choosing Bowen University was an impulsive decision. Back then, like every young teen, I wanted to be free, I wanted to be in a separate school from my siblings. My parents had told me to make a decision or they would make it for me. I knew very little about Bowen then, but after a quick online search, I found it to be a reputable private university. That was enough for me, and five years later, I’m genuinely grateful I made the choice.
My education at Bowen, particularly at the Law Faculty, was exceptional. The lecturers were not only deeply knowledgeable in their fields but also genuinely invested in our growth. Their passion for teaching and the law itself was inspiring. During my last moments as a student, I realised that they treated us not just as students but as future colleagues, frequently sharing insights from their own experiences in the field and providing guidance on career development.
What aspects or areas of law interest you more and why?
Intellectual property (IP) law and entertainment law. Why? For me, the law isn’t just about rules it’s a way to protect what makes us human, our ideas, our art, and our voices. We’re in a world where something you post online can be taken and monetised by someone else without a second thought — and, with technology advancing, the lines of ownership and copyright keep getting blurrier, creating a playground for misuse and exploitation. My interest in IP and entertainment law stems from a desire to make a difference in this space, to help ensure that creators don’t lose ownership of their work, and to empower them with the knowledge they need to protect their rights. It’s a field where law meets creativity, where every case or contract represents someone’s hard work, dreams, and identity.
What was the title of your final-year project and what were the major findings from it?
The title of my final-year project was ‘The legal challenges in the enforcement of intellectual property rights on social media platforms’.
The major findings revealed some serious challenges. Social media has created a space where creators can share their work widely, but it also opens the door for their intellectual property to be misused or taken without permission. One key issue is that content can cross borders instantly, often without proper credit or profit going to the creator. Another major finding was that, even with international laws and treaties, enforcement remains inconsistent because of the unique global nature of social media. Current IP laws struggle to keep pace with this digital reality, and enforcement becomes almost impossible when users can remain anonymous. Ultimately, our legal protections for creators must evolve alongside technology to truly safeguard their rights.
In line with your final-year project, what advice do you have for digital content creators on how to protect and maximise profit from their intellectual work on the internet or social media?
To protect and maximise profits from their work, digital content creators should focus on several key strategies. First, they should register their work with copyright bodies to establish legal ownership, which is essential for addressing infringement. Using watermarks or digital signatures on content, such as images or videos, deters theft and clearly marks ownership.
Licensing content allows creators to share their work for a fee or a royalty, creating income while retaining control. Many platforms now provide tools to set permissions easily and manage content use.
Finally, creators should stay informed about intellectual property rights and monitor how their work is used online. Social media monitoring tools and IP enforcement services can help track and report misuse, ensuring creators can protect their brand and earnings in the digital world.
You recently won the Amnesty International debate competition. In the final stage of the debate, you spoke about unemployment and brain drain, etc., and recommended better economic structures to mitigate brain drain in Nigeria. In summary, what were those recommendations?
In my debate on unemployment and brain drain, I recommended economic strategies to address these pressing issues. First, I suggested diversifying Nigeria’s economy beyond oil by investing in sectors like technology, agriculture, and manufacturing to create more job opportunities. I also emphasised the importance of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through government support, which would empower individuals to generate their own jobs.
Additionally, improving education and aligning it with market needs, along with offering skill development programmes, would ensure youths are prepared for emerging industries. Finally, creating a business-friendly environment would help retain talent and curb brain drain.
As someone who won the Amnesty International Intervarsity debate competition, what processes should someone observe to prepare and perform well in a major debate?
There is no exact process, but my key takeaways over time are, to succeed in debating, and personalise the topic by emotionally connecting with it. Stay calm under pressure and ensure confidence comes from preparation, not arrogance. Prioritise developing your oratory skills and knowledge of various subjects. Trust your instincts, even with limited experience, and embrace your uniqueness. Whether through voice, appearance, or perspective, leverage your individuality as a strength, which would help you stand out and make a lasting impact.
Can you share your most memorable or impactful experiences during your time in school?
On the day of my manifesto for vice president of the Law Students Society, I had just come out of the hospital a few days prior, battling anxiety. I found myself forgetting my points, and my hands were shaking in nervousness. Yet, when it was time to speak, I found a surge of confidence. I left my prepared speech on the podium, walked into the crowd, and spoke from the heart. When I finished, the applause was deafening. The messages I received afterwards praised my speech, and no one knew the fear that had consumed me before I stepped up. Although I lost the election, the experience taught me that losing is acceptable as long as you have made a meaningful impact.
A country is as good or bad as its legal system. As someone familiar with the Nigerian legal system, if you were to recommend three things that would strengthen the Nigerian legal system, that would help make the country a better place than it currently is now, what would they be?
First, I believe it is essential to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide a clearer separation of powers and resolve existing legal ambiguities, creating a more stable and transparent framework for governance.
Second, enhancing access to justice is critical. We must expand affordable legal aid services, simplify court procedures, and ensure all citizens — regardless of their financial standing — can easily navigate the legal system.
Lastly, I recommend continued investment in judicial technology, e-filing systems, virtual hearings, and digital records management that will continually modernise the system, reduce delays, and enhance efficiency in delivering justice across the country.
After law school, every fresh lawyer has a vision and dreams of what they want to do with their law training. What is the unique thing you want to do with your legal training and why?
With my legal training, I want to make an impact by advocating fair representation and championing human rights. I believe in using my skills to make a difference for those who often lack access to justice. My goal is to contribute to a legal system where every individual, regardless of their background, feels protected and heard.
In the law profession, who are your three mentors and why? Where do you see yourself in five years?
While I don’t have specific mentors. I look up to several inspiring lawyers in Nigeria. Personalities like Mr Wolemi Esan, Mr Asue Ighodalo, Mrs Funke Adekoya, amongst others.
In five years, I envision myself actively working to make a difference in people’s lives through the law, advocating for justice, and contributing positively to society by championing rights and freedoms.
What is your advice to students aspiring to achieve the kind of academic feat you achieved?
The best advice I can offer is to focus on discovering what study methods work best for you. Success isn’t about having any special advantage. It’s about understanding your unique strengths and building on them. Find your own approach, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals.
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