‘How I was inspired to aim for excellence’
She aspires for a First Class degree in Law but MEMUNAT OMOBOLANLE OLAWORE, surpassed that and won the award of the Best Graduating Student having scored 4.91 CGPA at the
She aspires for a First Class degree in Law but MEMUNAT OMOBOLANLE OLAWORE, surpassed that and won the award of the Best Graduating Student having scored 4.91 CGPA at the just concluded Convocation of the Fountain University, Osogbo, held last month. She shares her experience with ADEBISI ONANUGA
First and foremost, all Praises be to Allah the most beneficent and the most merciful. Attaining the Best Graduating Student award was the result of consistency, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose. Having spent my second year at the University of Lagos, I had already seen how intense a competitive academic environment can be, which taught me early to take my studies seriously. From my first year at Fountain University, I stayed organised, asked questions, revised steadily, and benefited from the support of lecturers, family, and friends. This discipline reflected in my results, culminating in a 4.91 CGPA. Being part of the first set of law students came with unique challenges, but Fountain University’s nurturing environment and guidance helped me grow academically and personally, giving me a sense of belonging and inspiring me to aim for excellence.
Looking back to your first year at the faculty up till graduation, did anything or incident gave you an inkling you would achieve this feat?
Not exactly. I did not start out with the expectation of graduating as the best. My initial personal goal was simply to earn a First Class degree. However, after my first year, as my results remained strong and consistent, I began to conceive the idea that something more might be possible. Around that time, some of the people close to me also expressed their belief that I could emerge as the best graduating student, which further encouraged me to stay focused and push myself even harder.
How was your first reaction when you were announced as the best graduating student?
I felt a deep sense of happiness, fulfilment, and gratitude. It was a long journey, so the moment felt very rewarding. I would not say I was completely surprised, because my university releases the names of the top students in each department every year, and based on my consistent performance, I knew that, all things being equal, I stood a strong chance of emerging as the best graduating student.
What was your secret to attaining excellence?
There was no secret formula. It came down to discipline, effective time management, and focusing on understanding the law rather than memorising it. I also pray. Even when my faith felt shaky at times, I would still whisper a prayer in my heart and keep going. Being the first set, we did not have easy access to past questions, so I connected with students from other universities and sourced relevant materials from them. I also made it a habit to read early and grasp the core concepts from the beginning of each semester, so that even if I felt tired midway, I was already grounded in the subject matter.
What was your performance through the different levels of education?
I have maintained strong academic performance throughout all levels of my education and have always taken my studies seriously. I honestly do not know how not to be serious about academics. This consistency reflected in my results over the years. Alongside my law degree, I pursued professional certifications to broaden my practical skills. In 2022, I completed a Certificate of Professional Development in Commercial Mediation for the 21st Century Lawyer at the Mediator Academy, which strengthened my mediation and dispute resolution skills and in 2023, I obtained a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) certification, which enhanced my understanding of intellectual property law. In 2025 I became a Chartered Arbitrator, gaining practical arbitration experience, Each of these experiences complemented my academic work and exposed me to practical areas of law beyond the classroom.
Are you confident of attaining similar feat at the Law School?
Yes, I am confident, but also realistic. The Nigerian Law School is demanding, and I approach it with humility and thorough preparation. I will start by placing my trust in Allah, do my very best through diligent effort, and then leave the outcome to Allah again.
What motivated you to read law?
I was motivated by a desire to understand justice, structure, and how the law shapes society. Law offered a platform to think critically, solve problems, and contribute meaningfully. Initially, it also stemmed from a promise I made with my best friend in secondary school to study law together, and I’ve always loved the idea of standing up for someone who needs justice.
Lets go back a little. Can you tell us about your background, state and schools attended?
My name is Memunat Omobolanle Olawore. I am from Olorunda Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria. I attended Royal Regency School, Badore, Lagos State for my primary education, Kayom International School, Lagasa area of Lakowe, Lagos for my junior secondary education, Sunglee Formation School, Awoyaya, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos for my senior secondary education, and completed my law degree at Fountain University, Osogbo.
Who are your parents and their respective profession?
My parents are Mr. Kazeem Ademola Olawore, who is into real estate in Lagos State, and Mrs. Azeezat Taiwo Olawore, who owns a building block manufacturing business. They have been very supportive of my education throughout my academic journey.
So, who amongst them would you say you took after and why?
To be honest, I took after both of my parents. They provide the perfect balance I needed, discipline from dad, resilience from mom, and these traits have greatly influenced my personal and academic journey.
What can you say about legal education in Nigeria today. Are there areas you would want a review?
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In my opinion, legal education in Nigeria is rigorous and intellectually demanding, but there is room for improvement. I believe there is a need to mandate participation in moots and mock trials, as well as encourage students to join debate societies, clubs, and associations such as maritime or aviation clubs. These activities not only expose students to practical skills but also help them connect with professionals in their fields. Additionally, greater emphasis on legal writing, practical advocacy, and the use of technology in legal training would further strengthen legal education.
Would you agree with suggestions that Law Profession should be a second degree?
I believe what matters more than whether it is a first or second degree is the quality of training, maturity of students, and emphasis on practical skills.
Are there any area of the law curriculum that you would want a review?
Yes. Greater emphasis on practical advocacy, legal drafting, negotiation, and emerging areas like technology, data protection and energy law would be highly beneficial. With the increasing importance of data privacy and security in Nigeria, highlighted by recent events involving breaches and regulatory updates, lawyers must be equipped to navigate these areas effectively.
Who amongst the law practitioners is your role model and why?
Firstly, I admire all my law lecturers. Many of them are or were actively involved in legal practice while combining this with academics, and their dedication has been a great inspiration to me. Beyond the people I know personally, I also admire Ibi Ogunbiyi, a partner at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, a leading Nigerian law firm specializing in Power, Infrastructure, and Energy. I had the opportunity to listen to her at the Olaniwun Ajayi maiden open day, and I have been deeply inspired by her career growth, integrity, and contribution to the legal profession.
Have you thought about what you want to become in future, corporate lawyer, an advocate or Professor of Law?
I am interested in becoming a corporate commercial lawyer, with room to explore academia and policy work as my career progresses.
Can you marry a lawyer?
Male lawyers? It is well. Allah knows best.
