I Lost My Father, But Not My Dreams – OAU, Law School First-class Graduate

Ani Freedolyn Chinechere speaks with PATIENCE IHEJIRIKA about how she excelled in her studies at both Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and the Nigerian Law School, where she graduated with First Class.

You graduated as the Best Female Graduating Student and the overall Second Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Law at Obafemi Awolowo University in your set, and also achieved First Class at the Law School. What study system enabled this?

My study system was nothing extraordinary. It was built on the long-standing fundamentals of academic discipline: attending classes diligently, listening attentively in lectures, studying the prescribed materials, and conducting my own independent research. More importantly, I was consistent. I would say the backbone of my study pattern was reading every day. It was demanding and, at times, stressful, but I understood that consistency often requires sacrifice. Looking back, that daily discipline made all the difference.

Law School Abuja is known for being intense. What was the hardest adjustment for you moving from OAU to Abuja, and how did you stay on top?

The hardest adjustment had very little to do with academics. It was learning to forge ahead with life after the loss of my father. I lost him immediately after graduating from OAU, and the grief consumed every zeal and willingness I had to pursue anything. In fact, I had almost deferred Law School, but my family persisted and persuaded me not to. I was able to stay on top because I knew my father would have wanted me to succeed. That conviction became my source of strength on the days I felt like giving up. Looking back, that was one of the toughest and darkest moments of my life, but it also taught me resilience and the importance of pressing on even in the face of profound loss.

Was there ever a moment you doubted you could finish as the best? What kept you going during that period?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, I never envisaged finishing with a First Class, let alone emerging as the Joint 3rd Best Graduating Student nationwide. The loss of my father dealt a devastating blow to my zeal, high spirits, and morale. At that point, my only goal was to pass my Bar Finals, be called to the Nigerian Bar, and move on to the next phase of my life.

What kept me going was my resolve not to give up. Even when I lacked motivation, I kept showing up, trusting that every small effort would count in the end. Looking back, the outcome reminds me that our greatest achievements sometimes come in seasons we least expect.

You were just called to the Nigerian Bar last week. What was that moment like for you — walking out as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court?

It felt surreal after years of hard work and sacrifice. The COVID-19 pandemic and the ASUU strike made the journey unnecessarily long and daunting. Beyond those setbacks, however, was the sadness of not having my father there to witness and celebrate the achievement of his daughter, who graduated with First Class honours at both the university and the Nigerian Law School, emerged as the Joint 3rd Best Graduating Student nationwide, and became the first female lawyer from our village. All through the Call to Bar Ceremony, I could not help but imagine how he would have smiled like a proud father and told anyone who cared to listen that his daughter had been called to the Nigerian Bar.

It was a moment of immense joy, but one tinged with reflection and the quiet ache of his absence.

After all the “best student” titles, what kind of lawyer do you want to be known for in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, I hope to build a reputation for excellence, integrity, and delivering practical solutions to legal problems.

Which area of law are you most drawn to — litigation, corporate, human rights, tech law — and why?

I am particularly drawn to Energy Law and International Trade. I believe these are areas with enormous potential, yet many of the opportunities they present remain untapped. As Nigeria continues to evolve economically, I hope to contribute to developing legal solutions and frameworks that unlock those opportunities and drive sustainable growth.

What’s the first case or brief you’re excited to work on now that you’ve been called?

Rather than any particular case or brief, I am excited about every opportunity to provide practical legal solutions. For me, the greatest fulfilment as a lawyer will come from helping clients navigate legal issues, solving real problems, and making a meaningful impact through the law.

Many young female law students look up to you. What three habits would you tell them to build to achieve First Class results?

First, cultivate the habit of doing whatever is worth doing well, to the best of your ability. Excellence is built in the little things long before it shows in the big achievements. Second, understand that there is no shortcut to success. There is no substitute for discipline, consistency, and hard work. Third, never allow failure to define you. Failure is a normal part of the journey, not the end of it. Learn from it, grow through it, and keep moving forward. Often, your setbacks prepare you for your greatest breakthroughs.

How did you balance academics with rest, faith, and social life? People assume “best students” don’t sleep.

Sleep was never optional for me; it was part of my study strategy. During examinations, I made sure I got enough rest because I knew a well-rested mind performs better. I didn’t have a very active social life, especially after losing my father, but. Now, I’m gradually coming out of my shell.

Who were the lecturers, mentors, or family members who shaped you most at OAU and Law School?

Professor Ademola Popoola, my International Trade lecturer at OAU, was an academic inspiration. I was also inspired by my senior colleagues who had trodden the path to excellence, and I remain deeply grateful to my siblings and my partner for their constant support and encouragement.

There’s pressure that comes with being “the best.” How do you handle expectations from people and from yourself?

I used to fear failure, but over time, I came to understand that it’s part of life and okay to fail. In fact, I believe you cannot truly appreciate success until you have experienced failure. That mindset has helped me manage expectations, focus on doing my best, and not be defined solely by outcomes.

Nigeria’s legal system faces many challenges — including delays, access to justice, and more. If you had the power to change one thing as a young lawyer, what would it be?

I would advocate reforms that promote a more efficient and accessible justice system while preserving the fairness and integrity of the judicial process.

You’re a First-Class graduate in a profession where women are still fighting for equal representation at senior levels. What role do you think women lawyers should play in reshaping the profession?

Women lawyers should continue to reshape the profession through hard work, determination, and resilience. The legal profession is demanding, and success takes time. Beyond competence, every lawyer must strive to be fit and proper in every respect. I believe that is how we earn our place and inspire those coming behind us.

Beyond the courtroom, how do you plan to use your platform to support students at OAU and Law School who will follow you?

I intend to organise seminars and webinars for students striving for excellence but who may be struggling to find their footing. I hope to encourage, mentor, and equip them with the right mindset and tools, while continuing to build a legacy of excellence that inspires those who follow me.

Fast forward 10 years: What headline do you want people to write about you?

I would love the headline to read: ‘The Lawyer Who Lost Her Father, But Not Her Dreams.’ As I strive to reach the pinnacle of my career and carve a name for myself in the legal profession, I want to be remembered as someone who turned pain into purpose and proved that even in the face of profound loss, resilience and hope can still write a beautiful story.