You graduated with a Second Class Upper from Olabisi Onabanjo University and later finished in the top 2% at the Nigerian Law School. What key habits or mindset shifts helped you make such an exceptional academic leap?

I believe the biggest shift occurred when I realised during my final year that a First Class from the University was no longer within reach. Instead of dwelling on that, I redirected all my ambition towards a single clear goal: obtaining a First Class at Law School. This sole focus transformed everything; it provided me with direction rather than regret. The first significant change in mindset was deciding what to listen to—filtering out the noise, especially since some people had alarming things to say about Law School. I also sought out individuals who believed the goal was attainable. Joining NLS Splash and Essence Mentorship was crucial for this—it suddenly felt like I wasn't just anxious about Law School; I was actively preparing for it alongside people who shared my vision. That leads me to the second essential habit: I refused to face Law School alone. I studied with peers who shared my ambition. Having people around me with the same drive kept me motivated during challenging times. However, I also learned very quickly that I couldn't burn myself out chasing the goal. In my second week back, I nearly collapsed from exhaustion due to a lack of quality sleep. That was when I set my non-negotiable rule: sleep well, eat well, study well. I realised that sustainability always beats intensity.

On the practical side, I started reading from the first day. Unlike university, where reading can be delayed till three weeks before exams start, law school is a completely different ball game. Preparation must begin on the first day. Furthermore, I prioritised studying before class. The intent was to gain a preliminary understanding of the topic being taught, which enabled me to effortlessly follow the class discussion more easily. This practice quickly led to a high level of familiarity with the courses.

I stuck with what had worked in university, which was taking my own notes, and I treated past questions and pre-class tasks as seriously as I treated the main lectures. I didn't just work through them; I really engaged with them.

But honestly? The mindset piece goes beyond strategy. I came into Law School knowing that God had brought me this far, and I held onto that belief throughout.

What has been the most significant adjustment for you as you transitioned from academic training to working as an NYSC Associate at a top-tier firm like Aluko & Oyebode?

The most significant adjustment has been bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. In law school, we analysed principles of law and authorities in scenarios presented to us, but at A&O, I quickly learned that law practice is far more nuanced and dynamic.

Working with the GRC team taught me that compliance is never just about knowing the regulations inside out. It's about finding practical solutions that protect clients and enable them to meet their commercial goals. That balance does not exist in textbooks. Now, working with the IP team, I'm seeing how trademark and copyright principles directly influence strategic decisions around brand positioning and market entry. Now, I see that legal opinions and advice are not abstract at all; they shape real business outcomes. The pace and precision have been eye-opening. Every document carries real consequences, which has sharpened my attention to detail and taught me to think like a problem-solver. Working at Aluko & Oyebode has accelerated my growth. I'm learning from exceptional legal minds and working on sophisticated matters that are truly shaping my practice.

How did your internships at leading Lagos law firms shape your understanding of corporate law practice and influence the direction of your career?

My internships at G. Elias and Aluko & Oyebode were instrumental in shaping my understanding of corporate law practice and clarifying my career direction. Exposure to two tier-one firms gave me invaluable insight into the sophistication and rigour required at the highest levels of legal practice in Nigeria. I was particularly drawn to governance, risk & compliance work, which revealed the critical role lawyers play in helping organisations navigate regulatory landscapes while building sustainable business models. I also gained exposure to other corporate and commercial transactions, which helped expand my horizons. What struck me most was the multidisciplinary nature of corporate law practice—it requires understanding business realities, regulatory trends, and client objectives beyond just knowing the law. These experiences confirmed my desire to build a career in corporate and commercial law, particularly where regulatory frameworks intersect with business strategy, and set a benchmark for excellence that continues to drive my development.

Your interest in data protection is evident. How do you see the role of data governance evolving in Nigeria, especially with the increasing digitalisation of businesses?[AN1] 

I see the role of data governance in Nigeria evolving from a defensive compliance measure into a strategic business enabler. Some organisations view data protection primarily as a legal hurdle to avoid fines. However, as digitalisation deepens, I believe we are seeing three key shifts. Firstly, in a digital economy, face-to-face interactions are replaced by data exchanges. For Nigerian fintechs, e-commerce platforms, and digital startups, data governance is becoming the primary way to establish trust. Customers are becoming more aware of their rights; therefore, robust data governance is shifting from a 'back-office' IT function to a front-facing brand asset. If customers don’t trust how you handle their data, they simply won't use your digital platform.

Furthermore, governance is becoming the foundation for emerging technologies. As Nigerian businesses begin to explore Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, they are realising that AI is only as good as the data it is fed. You cannot have a successful AI strategy without a rigorous data governance framework. The role of governance is evolving to ensure data quality, integrity, and ethical use, which are prerequisites for adopting these advanced technologies.

Finally, I see data governance becoming our 'digital passport.' For Nigerian businesses to compete globally and attract foreign investment, our data practices must align with international standards. The GAID 2025 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act are huge steps in this direction, and I foresee governance roles evolving to focus heavily on cross-border data adequacy, ensuring that Nigerian businesses are not digitally isolated from the global market.

In today’s regulatory environment, organisations face growing compliance demands. From your experience, what do you consider the most critical element of an effective Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) framework for Nigerian companies?

I believe an effective Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) framework acts as the strategic compass for sustainable growth, built on stakeholder trust and organisational resilience, recognising that no singular model applies to every industry or culture. The framework’s most critical foundation is establishing absolute clarity in Roles and Responsibilities, ensuring defined accountabilities across the Board, management, and employees. Organisations with solid policies often fail when accountability lines are blurred, allowing governance to break down and isolating compliance instead of embedding it in decision-making.

This clarity must be paired with robust monitoring and accountability mechanisms. Accountability without continuous monitoring is incomplete; therefore, the framework must provide mechanisms to measure and enforce compliance. Periodic Risk and Compliance Assessments are essential for a comprehensive understanding of business risks and scenario planning. Regular reporting and independent monitoring are vital to identify issues proactively before they escalate into crises. This process ensures that organisations adapt quickly to complex regulatory changes, such as those prevalent in Nigeria’s digital economy.   The framework’s success ultimately rests on its Culture and Leadership. Evaluation of Board performance is necessary to ensure the leadership actively drives an ethical culture and that GRC is not merely delegated, but central to strategic planning. Continuous awareness and capacity building, sensitive to cultural and geopolitical nuances, ensure compliance is sustainable and effective. The foundation is simple: clarity on who does what, verification that it is working, and a commitment to holding everyone accountable. This separates truly effective GRC frameworks from mere paper exercises.

As someone interested in Intellectual Property law, how do you think Nigerian businesses can better protect their creative and technological assets in an increasingly competitive and innovation-driven marketplace?

Nigerian businesses can better protect their creative and technological assets by adopting a strategic, multi-layered approach that combines early registration, proactive enforcement, and internal governance. First, early and comprehensive registration is critical. Since Nigeria operates a first-to-file system, businesses should register trademarks, patents, and copyrights immediately upon creation to secure their rights and maintain robust IP portfolios that include domain names and trade secrets. Secondly, businesses must invest in enforcement mechanisms. With Nigeria's IP enforcement rate at just 17.21% and software piracy estimated at 80%, companies should implement authentication technologies to actively monitor markets and e-commerce platforms for infringement. Thirdly, education and internal IP governance are essential, as many violations occur due to ignorance. Businesses should train employees on IP protocols and establish clear policies on handling proprietary information. The recently approved National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS) by the Federal Executive Council provides a unified framework aiming to contribute $10 billion annually to GDP by 2030, creating an enabling environment. However, businesses cannot rely solely on policy—they must take deliberate action to secure their innovations in an increasingly competitive marketplace where the digital economy now contributes over 14% to Nigeria's GDP.

What fascinates you most about competition law, and how do you think it contributes to building fairer and more efficient markets in Nigeria?

What fascinates me most about competition law is its foundational role in creating economic fairness and protecting consumers from exploitation in the marketplace. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has demonstrated remarkable commitment through enforcement actions such as the $220 million penalty against Meta and WhatsApp in 2025 for discriminatory data practices affecting over Nigerian users, and the $110 million fine on British American Tobacco for engaging in unfair practices in connection with its marketing, supply, negotiation, execution, or enforcement of agreements for goods or services. Competition law contributes to building fairer and more efficient markets by eliminating barriers that prevent small and medium enterprises from competing on an equal footing, prohibiting anticompetitive practices like price fixing and abuse of dominance. By holding even, the largest corporations accountable and adapting to emerging sectors through regulations like the Digital Lending Guidelines, the FCCPC creates an environment where innovation thrives, and consumers benefit from better quality products at competitive prices.

You are passionate about mentoring others. What guiding principles shape your mentoring style, and how do you help law students navigate personal and professional development?

My passion for mentoring is rooted in the principle of paying it forward. I have been fortunate to benefit from the guidance of exceptional mentors throughout my journey, and I still remain a beneficiary of their wisdom. The guiding principle that shapes my mentoring style is encouraging self-discovery. I believe that true professional development happens when individuals understand their own strengths, interests, and values, and then align their career choices accordingly. In helping law students navigate personal and professional development, I focus on asking reflective questions that help them think critically about their goals, and I share my own experiences—both successes and challenges—to normalise the uncertainties of legal practice. Ultimately, my approach is about empowering law students to make informed decisions and build confidence in their ability to shape their own careers.

Looking ahead, how do you plan to integrate your passions for data protection, regulatory compliance, IP, and competition law into building a fulfilling and impactful legal career?

My goal is to develop deep expertise in regulatory and commercial law, positioning myself as a trusted advisor who understands both the legal requirements and business realities that organisations face. I am particularly drawn to advising businesses on compliance strategies that balance regulatory obligations with commercial objectives. Beyond client work, I am committed to thought leadership—contributing to legal discourse through writing and speaking on emerging regulatory trends, and potentially engaging in policy discussions that shape how these laws evolve in Nigeria. Ultimately, I want to build a career where technical legal excellence meets practical commercial impact, where I am not just interpreting regulations but helping businesses and policymakers create sustainable, innovative, and fair market environments.