How a Childhood Career Day Inspired Demilade Akinola to Pursue Law

Demilade Akinola said a primary school Career Day inspired her dream of becoming a lawyer, a goal she achieved despite academic setbacks and discouragement from others.

For Demilade Akinola, the journey to becoming a lawyer began with a simple decision made during a primary school Career Day. What started as a childhood choice eventually became a lifelong ambition that she refused to abandon, even when faced with major setbacks.

She recalled that before the event, she had never seriously considered what profession to pursue. Although she briefly thought about becoming a doctor, she ruled it out because she disliked hospitals and the sight of blood. Her younger brother planned to become an engineer like their father, while she also considered following her mother’s path as an accountant. In the end, she chose to dress as a lawyer despite knowing very little about the profession.

That seemingly ordinary decision stayed with her throughout her academic journey. However, her dream was nearly cut short after she received a D7 in Literature in English in her WAEC examination—a compulsory subject for studying law. The result left her heartbroken, and she considered changing her course of study. Her father, however, encouraged her not to give up, assuring her that she would still achieve her goal.

Determined to succeed, she rewrote the examination, improved her grade, and secured admission to study Law at Ajayi Crowther University. During her undergraduate years, she remained committed to her studies despite the demanding nature of the programme.

She also faced another challenge at the Nigerian Law School, where the workload, pressure and expectations tested her resilience. Through discipline, consistency and support from family and friends, she remained focused and successfully completed the programme.

Akinola revealed that some people had discouraged her over the years, claiming she was too quiet to become a lawyer. Instead of allowing those comments to weaken her resolve, she used them as motivation to prove that confidence, competence and hard work matter more than personality stereotypes.

Reflecting on her journey, she encouraged aspiring lawyers and young people not to abandon their dreams because of temporary setbacks or negative opinions. She advised them to stay committed, believe in themselves and keep working towards their goals, noting that persistence often leads to success.

Now officially called to the Nigerian Bar, Akinola describes her achievement as the fulfilment of a dream that began with a childhood Career Day and was sustained by determination, faith and unwavering support from her family.

READ ALSO: Brilliant Nigerian Woman Graduates with Double First-Class in Law, Achieves Lifelong Dream

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, THE NATION