Aanuoluwa Odole Achieves Double First-Class Honours in Law at UI and Nigerian Law School

My name is Aanuoluwa Odole, and I am pleased to share that I have earned a double first-class in law from both the University of Ibadan and the Nigerian Law School. This achievement is something I am very proud of. Described as a curious and expressive individual, I often found myself drawn to deep dives like YouTube video essays and anticipating plot twists in my favourite shows.

When it came to choosing a law school campus, my initial preference was Abuja, as I had heard it offered a more manageable experience while still ensuring academic excellence. However, I was assigned to the Lagos campus, which reportedly presented a more challenging environment. Without much time to process the change, my parents encouraged me to trust in divine guidance.

I started my orientation week early on the second day of registration and was fortunate to be placed with wonderful roommates. By the following day, I was settled in and focused on mentally preparing for the demanding journey ahead. Despite the less-than-ideal reputation of the Lagos campus, I resolved to make the most of my experience.

In the early stages of my academic career, I didn't have a fixed study routine. I soon realised that my tendency to postpone extensive studying until closer to exams wouldn't be effective in law school. Consequently, I adapted my approach, gradually increasing my study intensity over time. I focused on taking each day as it came, doing my best, and deferring what I couldn't complete to the following day.

Law school presented an opportunity for me to push my limits. Prior to this, I had not encountered such an intensive academic program; university studies felt comparatively relaxed. However, I remained committed to staying authentic to myself. For instance, I recognized that I could not commit to a mentorship program, so I opted out of joining any. Similarly, when I found the library and reading room unproductive for my needs, I stopped using them. I also decided against purchasing textbooks, as they had never been my preferred study material. The key was identifying what truly worked for me, independently of others. It can be challenging to maintain your own methods in a seemingly uniform environment, but I prioritized this early on.

I made significant adjustments to my study habits, changing reading materials and shifting my focus from pre-class preparation to concentrating on past questions during my second externship. One consistent strategy, however, was to study most courses chronologically. Subjects like Civil Litigation felt narrative, and I preferred to engage with the entire scope rather than selectively. I utilized a Notion tracker to monitor my comprehension of each topic. After studying a topic, I would attempt multiple-choice questions and assign myself a score, highlighting areas that required further attention in subsequent reviews.

Corporate Law Practice was particularly daunting; I recall shedding tears over it, convinced it was beyond my capabilities, especially as it was the first exam. I remember calling my sister and a friend for support to help me cope. Even after the examination, I was certain I had not performed well. It was the only exam for which I stayed up late, though, in general, I prioritized sleep, a habit I had cultivated in my later university years and carried into law school. On an average day, I managed five to six hours of sleep.

Beyond academics, some of the most valuable takeaways from law school were the relationships I forged. Looking back, I feel I could have made more connections and been more socially engaged, but perhaps that would have altered the outcome. The butterfly effect, as they say.

I am personally excited about the prospects, including financial rewards, that a double first class might offer. In five years, my aspiration is to be thriving in a career that I am passionate about. Achieving first-class honours twice consecutively must signify something significant. As a friend aptly put it, "It's not a fluke." This conviction bolsters my confidence in future success. I eagerly anticipate the opportunities and platforms that await me. I am profoundly grateful to God.

My advice to anyone aiming for a first class at the Nigerian Law School is to remain true to your individual methods. If a new approach isn't yielding results, discontinue it immediately – there is no shame in that. Prioritize your health above all else; I learned this firsthand after falling seriously ill during law school, which was an unpleasant experience. Most importantly, make an effort to enjoy the journey, even if it's just an effort.