Determined Law Graduate Narrates How He Did Menial Jobs to Scale Through School

Cursory: A Young Determined Man has narrated how he went through ups and downs to graduate from Law school.

Determination they say leads to success. If Ajike Ukonu can do it, so do you.

Ajike, the Abia State university (ABSU) graduate in his interview tells Anne Agbi how he scaled through law school despite all odds.

Read through the interview below;

Tell us briefly about yourself

My name is Ajike Ukonu and I’m a legal practitioner at L.L. Legal Services at Apo Resettlement, Abuja-FCT. I’m from Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State. I attended Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), and Nigerian Law School, Kano. I love God and understand the importance of relationships. I give my all in everything I set out to do.

Memorable law journey experience

After I finished secondary school I gained admission to study law at ABSU, Uturu. I was on the merit list but due to lack of funds, I resumed late and was unable to get subsidised accommodation in the school hostel. While in school, I avoided male/female relationships because I had this mindset that if I had a female friend, she would probably be demanding money which I didn’t have. It wasn’t easy scaling through the faculty of law, but what kept me going was faith. For any exam I sat, the focus was not on if I would pass, but rather on what score I would get. So, with God’s help, I did not have any failed grade till I graduated. I graduated with a Second Class (lower division) grade (2.2). Though below expectations, God saw me through.

Law School has a quota for every university, so because of that, there was a backlog of students. Since we didn’t have much money, I didn’t bother about going to law school immediately. I had to go and hustle a little to raise money. Firstly, I worked with an eatery/fast food restaurant in Aba for a few months and later worked with someone that sells fresh cow tail and leg. However, I raised money and with the help of my siblings, I was able to raise the Law School fee. I was posted to Kano Campus. Immediately school resumed, I paid and was left with nothing. I raised my transport fare again and started heading to Kano. After I paid the transport fare, I had less than N500 left with me.

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What shaped me

At the Law School, I had no money to buy books, so I had to visit the library. This taught me the power of determination to succeed. In my second year at the university, I went to class one day and saw a new face, a direct entry student. He was not talking to anybody. After some time, I approached him and we spoke. We became friends, going to the Christian Law Students Fellowship (CLASFON) together. Later he told me that when I met him, he was contemplating joining a cult but thank God he met me.

Decision to become a lawyer

Honestly, I was not thinking about Law even when I finished secondary school. I can’t tell what informed the decision but I found myself falling in love with law stuff and it wasn’t difficult for me. Seems I was just meant to study law.

High, low moments studying Law

My low moments were getting average results after studying hard, most of the time due to human factors such as lecturers, not buying books, etc.

High moments were from the people I met and interacted with who gave me a bigger perspective of the possibilities in law practice/business. That mental shift was key.

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Formula for scaling through Law school

I usually read books several times before I can fully grasp what is in the book. So, I had to read over and over again. Also participating in group activities, it might look like a distraction but anything you grasp there you can’t forget.

Extracurricular activities in school

If church/fellowship activities are considered an extracurricular activity, they will be part of it. I was part of the Christian Law Students Fellowship (CLASFON). I later became the president of the fellowship in my fourth year. Went for picnics, waterfall. I think that’s all I can remember.

Call to bar

Call to bar was a dream come true. Of course, my family felt good. There wasn’t a party, but I joined a call mate/friend’s party.

Law school grading system

The grading system is okay. It makes you want to reach for the stars. It makes you give your all, knowing that you will be graded or judged with your lowest scores.

Thoughts on the exodus of lawyers from the profession/country

First, the legal profession, especially if you are not from a “privileged family’ requires years of hard work, tutelage, and learning. Most young lawyers may not be able to endure and thus they need to look for alternatives. Also, most senior lawyers who employ young lawyers in their firm pay them little, with the mindset of ‘they are learning’. So those who have responsibilities will look the other way for finance. Unmet expectations also contribute because some think once they are called to the Bar the money will start flowing. I have no thoughts about japa for now.

Plans for the future?

Looking forward to partnering with some young lawyers soon to run a law firm. Also business, investment in Transport business and some other things.

Advice for fellow young lawyers.

Learn when it’s time to learn, then pursue money when it’s time to make money.