Boluwatifẹ Kolawole Emerges Best Graduating Law Student at LASU, Triumphs Over Adversity to Win 5 Convocation Prizes

Boluwatifẹ Emmanuel Kolawole, overcoming immense personal and financial hardships, emerged as the Best Graduating Law Student at LASU’s 28th Convocation, earning five awards and showcasing exceptional academic, leadership, and advocacy excellence.

In a story that embodies grit, resilience, and academic brilliance, Boluwatifẹ Emmanuel Kolawole has emerged as the Best Graduating Student from the Faculty of Law at Lagos State University (LASU) during the institution’s 28th Convocation Ceremony. His remarkable feat includes winning five prestigious convocation prizes, a testament to both his academic excellence and relentless drive.

Kolawole’s journey is anything but ordinary. From mowing lawns and working in block industries as a secondary school student to serving as a cashier and food attendant after graduation, his road to success has been paved with perseverance. During university, he taught at secondary schools and offered tutorials while hosting events to sustain himself financially.

His academic sojourn was not without challenges. As a first-year student, he survived a hostel fire caused by a mosquito coil that destroyed almost everything he owned, sparing only his credentials. Later, a midnight storm tore off his hostel roof, damaging his belongings. He also endured frequent ocular migraine attacks and navigated the emotional toll of growing up in a broken home.

Despite these trials, Kolawole excelled academically, auditing an astonishing 72 courses over five years and earning 58 A’s, 9 B’s, 4 C’s, and just 1 D. His exceptional performance led him to be crowned Best Graduating Student (BGS) of Law at the convocation.

A true leader, Kolawole served in 16 leadership positions during his undergraduate years. He was President of the LASU Debate Society, Southwest Zonal Director of the Law Students’ Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), President of the Court of Appeal at the LASU Students’ Union, and Deputy Head of Inn at the Lincoln’s Inn Student Chamber.

Kolawole’s achievements also extend beyond the classroom. He bagged 23 awards, including:

• Winner, 2023 CITN-ANTAS National Tax Debate

• Best Delegate, UNGA 6 (Legal Committee), Covenant International Model United Nations (CIMUN)

• Winner & Best Counsel, National Tax Moot (Nigeria’s first-ever)

• Best Debater, Sylvia Ogwemoh National Moot & Mock, Ambrose Alli University

• Four-time recipient of the Vice Chancellor’s Letter of Commendation for Leadership and Academics

He interned at top Nigerian legal firms and institutions, including Olaniwun Ajayi, G. Elias, Babalakin & Co, and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

In an emotionally moving reflection, Kolawole credited his faith, family, mentors, and friends for their unwavering support. “I am confident God did this!” he wrote, vowing to press on toward new pursuits with unwavering determination and gratitude.

While many would pause to celebrate such a monumental success, Kolawole declares, “I cannot celebrate now. I have just started.” A declaration that not only highlights his humility but signals a future brimming with promise and purpose.

READ ALSO: Parents Celebrate Grandly as 21-Year-Old Daughter Bags First Class and Faculty Honors

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, LINKEDIN