Five female first-class law school graduates from the Lagos State University, who celebrated their remarkable academic achievement at the recent call-to-bar ceremony, share their experiences with MUHAMMED LAWAL

I shunned extracurricular activities to achieve ? Maryam Lawal, second-best graduate

How do you feel about being the second-best graduating law school student?

I have felt different emotions since the day I learnt that I was the second-best graduating student. I have been stunned, numb, joyous and overwhelmed at the news. At first, I was disoriented. I was on a bus heading home when I got a call from my friend, excitedly telling me that I was the 2nd BGS.

I remember feeling very hot at that instant. To be honest, I fantasised about being either the best graduating student or the second-best student while I was in law school, but I didn?t pursue it with vigour. What I wanted primarily was to make a first class and to become a double first-class lawyer. However, right now, I feel elated at this accomplishment.

What advice do you have for students about excelling in law school?

My advice is that success at the Nigerian Law School is 100 per cent achievable. It?s to know what works for you and decide what study methods align best with you. Law school is a personal journey, and it will be futile to do things just because everyone is doing them.

Were you involved in any extracurricular activity while on campus?

No, I wasn?t. For me, extracurricular activities were luxuries that I could not afford at law school. This is because even 24 hours in a day wasn?t enough for me to attend adequately to my coursework. I spent the first half of law school (before externship) forming my notes because I wanted to centralise my resources, and this meant that I had to work twice as hard to keep up with the class pace. I had no time to engage in extracurricular.

How did you manage to navigate financial and other challenges while in school?

Law school was very expensive because we had to buy every meal that we ate as we were not allowed to cook, but then I got a monthly allowance from home. For the most part, I only spent money on feeding, data and on printing materials, so it was quite bearable.

How did you tackle tough courses in school?

The first thing that I told myself was that all the courses had equal importance and as a result, I could not afford to have preferences.

I read 15 hours every day at law school ? Mariam Makanjuola

In what ways did your background mould you into the kind of student you were?

I come from a background where academic excellence was not the norm, and education was often undervalued by many around me. I attended one of the most under-resourced public secondary schools in Ikorodu (United Secondary School II, now Ayangburen). My parents are not formally educated, but they recognised the power of education as a pathway to a better life.

Despite their limited means, they worked tirelessly to ensure I had the opportunity to go to school and succeed. Watching their sacrifices lit a fire in me. My father, especially, always reminded me that wherever I find myself, I must strive to be among the best.

What was your study routine like in law school?

My study routine in law school was intense and highly structured. I was deliberate about cutting off distractions and building discipline. Every day, by 7 am, I go out of the hostel fully equipped with all the necessary textbooks, notes, and statutory materials needed for the day.

I also made sure to buy enough food and water beforehand so I wouldn?t have any reason to leave my reading spot unnecessarily, except for prayers.

One of the most effective decisions I made was leaving my phone in my hostel locker to avoid distractions. Instead, I carried my small phone (Nokia) with me, just in case of urgent calls. I remained at my reading location until 9 pm, after which I would return to the hostel to rest.

Then, by 1 am, I would wake up again and head to the common room to read from 1:00 am to 4:30 am, before returning to prepare for the next day. It was a demanding routine, physically and mentally, but I knew what I wanted, and I understood that excellence required sacrifice. I was hard on myself because I believed deeply that comfort and success don?t coexist in law school.

Did you start making excellent results from your 100-Level?

No, I started with a CGPA of 3.9 in my first year at LASU. It wasn?t bad, but I knew I could do better. I became more intentional and disciplined, and with consistent effort, I graduated with a 4.20.

Does that mean you were intentional about graduating with a first class?

Yes, I was very intentional. From day one, I made up my mind that I wanted a first class, and I structured everything around that goal. I created a strict study plan, avoided distractions, and surrounded myself with focused people. One of my lecturers, Dr (Mrs) James, even told me personally that I had the potential to make a First Class. That encouragement fuelled my drive.

The secret of my success is a blend of vision, consistency, and resilience. I never waited to be in the mood to study; I trained myself to show up regardless. I treated every semester like it mattered and didn?t wait for bar finals to bring out my best.

I went home in tears after first week ? Osinachi Akanegbu

Would you say your experience in law school was a herculean one?

I believe law school is what you make of it. Before I started, I had a morbid fear of it. If you go in thinking it?ll be an easy ride, especially if you?re aiming for top grades, you might be in for a surprise.

I remember calling home in tears during the first week of lectures. My dad, half-joking, said, ?Is this how my daughter will finish law school?? I still laugh when I think about it. I went through a lot.

Can you take us through your study routine?

I am quite hesitant to share my study routine, because law school isn?t a one-size-fits-all experience. Different strokes work for different folks. Some people made detailed notes. Others didn?t. Some relied strictly on what was taught in class.

Others read textbooks. But one piece of advice I received before starting law school has stuck with me, and I now pass it on; ?Make sure you read the topic for the day.? Whether you read it before class or after class doesn?t matter as much, just don?t go to bed without reading it.

My typical day looked like this: 9:00 am ? 2:30 pm, classes; 2:30 pm ? 4:30 pm, nap (because honestly, the classes were intense); 5:00 pm ? 10:00 pm, study; 10:00 pm ? 2:30 am, sleep; 2:30 am ? 5:30/6:00 am, study again; and quick nap, then off to class. Was it tiring? Yes. But it worked for me.

The most important thing is to find a schedule that fits your style and then stick to it consistently. Don?t try to copy someone else?s style word-for-word?observe what works for you and commit to it.

What is your success secret?

Success secret is perhaps too loaded. What I would say is that some principles really helped me; the biggest one is consistency. No matter how terrible the day was, I would read.

I remember when I was really sick and had just taken drugs from the clinic. I was told to go to my room and rest. But when I got there, I was uncomfortable. What was I supposed to do in the room? Sleep? I dragged myself to the library to ?sleep? but I read till 10 pm.

Please note: I?m not recommending this, especially if you?re sick, but it shows how much reading has become a habit for me. After crying? I would read. After waking up, I would read.

After laughing with friends, I would still read. It may seem hard but eventually it paid off. Also, remember you are not an island. Ask questions, interact with friends, group read, share challenges. You would thrive better when you go together.

Hard work, God?s grace made it possible ? Mojisola Owodina

What were the challenges you faced in the course of your law education?

One major challenge was the overwhelming syllabus. There was just so much to read, and I often found myself forgetting things I had studied. Another big challenge was figuring out the reading style that worked best for me.

At law school, it was tough finding a balance between reading the day?s note, sleeping, attending group meetings, practising MCQs (multiple choice questions) daily, preparing for the next course, and handling class tasks, all within a limited time frame.

During the first four to six weeks, I found myself trying anything and everything. I kept reading different materials and forming different notes. I didn?t have a proper reading plan for myself.

What is your secret of success?

Discipline, hard work, and most importantly, the grace of God were my success secret.

Who was your support base while you were in law school?

My family, my parents! I?m truly grateful for the kind of family I come from. There was a time when I felt like I couldn?t make a first class. I reached out to my dad to express my worries. My father, after listening to me, said something I?ll never forget, ?It doesn?t matter the kind of grade you graduate with. What matters most is the grace of God upon your life.? That alone lifted a weight off my shoulders.

What advice do you have for students with regard to excelling in law school?

Just do your best. Don?t measure your success with someone else?s ruler. Everyone?s pace is different, and not all advice will work for you. Be focused, and stay true to your own process.

Most importantly, practice how to answer bar finals questions. Every course has a unique answering style. Everyone writes the same exam. Everyone is taught the same topics, but what sets people apart is how they approach those questions.

Additionally, seek guidance whenever you need to, and believe me, you can get a first class in law school. Just read and pray.

What will you do moving forward?

Moving forward, I?m looking to gain practical experience in the legal field, work with inspiring legal minds, and keep growing both professionally and personally. I also hope to give back by mentoring younger students and helping them navigate law school the way others helped me.

Why I dumped microbiology for law ? Kanyinsola Adekoya

Did you set out to graduate with a first class at law school?

Yes, I did. I started my university journey with a CGPA of 3.7 and graduated with a CGPA of 4.33. On one hand, I was happy, it?s a solid CGPA and a strong Second Class Upper, as it?s fondly called.

But at the same time, I felt a bit disappointed because I was so close to making a first class. So, I made up my mind that the only way to redeem myself was to aim for a first class at law school.

Can you take us through your study routine?

During the school session, after classes, I would return to the hostel and sleep until around 7 pm. By 8 pm, I would start reading and continue until around 12 or 1 am, so I could get some rest and prepare for the next day.

I ensured I read for at least eight hours every day. This routine continued consistently until externship. No matter what, I ensured that I studied for at least 12 hours every day.

Why did you choose to study law in the first place?

I always wanted to become a microbiologist. I remember back in SS1 when we had joint classes and exams before being assigned to our designated tracks (arts, science, or commercial). I was placed in the science class, and of course, I was excited.

But my dad was strongly against it and tried to convince me to switch to the arts class. I refused at first and stayed in the science class for one session. Honestly, my time there wasn?t the best. It became clear to me that mathematics just wasn?t my strength.

So, I made the decision to leave willingly. In SS2, I switched to the arts class. At that point, the only profession I could think of was law. The prestige of the legal profession caught my attention, and that?s how I decided to study law.

What is your secret of success?

God, hard work and consistency were the secret of my success.

What advice do you have for students with regard to excelling in law school?

I would say know what works for you. (PUNCH)

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