You graduated as the Best Student from both Benue State University and the Nigerian Law School. What strategies or mindset helped you sustain such consistent academic excellence?

Thank you very much for that question. What has helped me attain consistent success in both academics and other engagements is actually an interrelationship between my mindset and the strategies I adopt.

I recently wrote about this on Linkedin. You see, I believe that my mindset is the substructure, or the foundation upon which success is built. The strategy is the superstructure built upon the solid foundation provided by the right mindset. If you take out one, the other becomes useless and vice versa. My mindset has really been one of discipline and grit, doing what I have to do even if I don’t feel like it. It is one that refuses to allow fear take root, that dares to dream. I believe that fundamentally, the mathematics of impossibility can be flawed, and great things can be achieved.

My strategy has actually been simple, simply putting in the work. I don’t know of any work around, I am not sure there will ever be any. Of course, the grace of God can also be never discounted. It played a huge part.

Balancing leadership roles with academic demands can be challenging. How did your experiences as President of the Law Students’ Association and Deputy Country Director of the Federation of African Law Students shape your journey to academic success?

Yes, my decision to actively get involved in leadership and “politics” during my undergraduate studies was one that drew outcry from the many people including family and friends. They felt I would destroy what I was building academically. But I believed then, as I still do, that the goal of education is not just to become successful academically, it is to be a well-rounded individual, an emotionally mature person, someone capable of catalyzing change on some level. That is exactly what serving in leadership roles helped me achieve. Courtesy of my roles, I travelled to South Africa, Rwanda and the United Kingdom for different events and conferences. These experiences did impact my thinking, and expand my horizon.

I also liked the idea of the challenge. Most people thought it was impossible to effectively combine the demands of leadership and the rigours required for academic excellence, I thought it could be done, so I did.

Many students struggle with motivation during demanding study periods. What kept you disciplined and focused throughout your undergraduate years and at the Nigerian Law School?

I think the struggles with motivation stem from a misunderstanding of what motivation itself really is. I once read “Limitless” by Jim Kwik. That book totally changed how I perceive motivation. He said motivation is something you do, not something you have.

Most people often wait for motivation to strike, but in reality, it is a process you generate through consistent action. Motivation is an intersection of three factors. The first is purpose, knowing why you want something, because a strong enough why fuels persistence.

Secondly, you must have energy, that is the physical and mental vitality to act on your why and lastly, you must take small steps every day to help you achieve your goals in the long run. That was my approach, I didn’t wait to feel motivated, I simply did what I had to do and the motivation came. Of course, we are humans and frailty is part of the human equation, but viewing motivation through these lenses really helps you keep discipline and focus.

Beyond personal discipline, what role did mentorship, peer networks, or institutional support play in your academic achievements?

The truth is personal discipline can be very pivotal, but it’s not enough. I had friends and family who supported me throughout the journey, who encouraged me to keep the fight and never give up, who believed in me, who saw me. They were the pillars that stood strong for me when I faltered. I also have a different approach to mentorship, I don’t need anyone’s consent to be their mentee. I just secretly study their life and achievements, and position myself to do more or even better. Knowing I benchmarked myself against the persons who had done great things before me, meant I had to work even harder. In a nutshell, I did have very supportive friends and network. Their impact on my journey cannot be understated.

Coming from Benue State, widely regarded as the “food basket of the nation,” how do you think justice can be used to protect the common farmers whose lives and livelihoods are increasingly under threat?

What is happening in Benue is truly tragic. A large percentage of the farmers who support the food security of this country have been driven away from their homes and farms and currently live in IDP camps. Justice necessarily entails putting an end to the bloodshed; justice means returning the farmers back to their homes and farmlands, justice means putting in place measures to guarantee lives and security which is the primary purpose of government in the first place.

As a young lawyer who has already set a record of academic brilliance, how do you plan to use your platform and expertise to inspire and mentor future law students?

Mentorship is what I have always taken very seriously because in many ways, I am a product of my mentorship myself. I have always made myself available for webinars, tutorials and mentorship sessions since my undergraduate days. I plan to do more of the same and maybe even on a more organized level. We’ll see about that.

Many students currently at the Nigerian Law School find it overwhelming balancing the intense workload with personal wellbeing. From your experience, what practical advice would you give them to excel without burning out?

Personal wellbeing is non-negotiable. Failure to take care of yourself can make the work you put in counterproductive.

I have heard stories about students who fall sick during the exam period because of lack of rest. For me, really, the key is in realizing that you rest to live, not live to rest. I usually took a nap every day in law school after classes before starting my study sessions and it helped keep me fresh. So please, take time to rest, burn out must not be a necessary component of the road to excellence. Taking time out to rest and recharge is equally as important.

Tomisin (Interviewer): At this juncture, the entire team at Lawverse Magazine appreciate you for your time sacrifices and intellectual response to our Interview questions.