OAU First-Class Graduate Says She Studied Law to Fulfil Her Late Father’s Dream

Freedolyn Ani said her determination, consistent hard work, and desire to fulfil her late father’s dream of becoming a lawyer helped her graduate with first-class honours from Obafemi Awolowo University and emerge as a joint best graduating student at the Nigerian Law School despite facing financial struggles and the loss of her father.

Freedolyn Ani, who graduated with a first-class degree in Law from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and later emerged as one of the best graduating students at the Nigerian Law School, has shared the inspiring story behind her academic success. Raised in Akure, Ondo State, she described growing up in a modest family where her father ensured she and her siblings had their basic needs while teaching them the value of contentment, discipline, and hard work. According to her, those early lessons shaped her determination to always strive for excellence.

Ani revealed that her journey into law began with her father’s influence. While she initially wanted to study in the arts, her father insisted that she either remain in the science class or pursue law if she switched to the arts. She eventually accepted the condition and discovered a genuine passion for the legal profession. Beyond fulfilling her father’s wish, she also developed a deep appreciation for the role of law in promoting justice, maintaining order, and driving positive change in society.

Even before gaining admission into OAU, Ani had already set a personal goal of graduating with a first-class degree. She strengthened that belief after emerging as the overall best student during the university’s pre-degree programme. Throughout her undergraduate years, she maintained a consistent reading routine, attended lectures regularly, and studied according to the schedule that suited her best. Rather than reading late at night, she preferred daytime study sessions, believing they matched her learning style more effectively.

Although she remained focused on her academics, Ani also participated in virtual volunteer programmes that promoted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. However, her journey was not without obstacles. She faced periods of self-doubt and financial difficulties but refused to allow them to derail her ambitions. After improving her CGPA significantly in her first year, she became convinced that earning a first class was possible and remained committed to maintaining that standard until graduation.

Ani said one of the happiest moments of her life was informing her father that she had graduated with a first-class degree and was the best female graduating student in her class. Sadly, only a month later, he passed away before witnessing her convocation ceremony. Despite the devastating loss, she pressed on to the Nigerian Law School, where she had to cope with grief while adapting to the institution’s demanding academic environment. She credited her mother for encouraging her to remain focused and continue pursuing the dreams she and her late father had shared.

Her determination eventually paid off as she graduated with another first-class result and emerged as a joint best graduating student at the Nigerian Law School. Looking back on her journey, Ani said she believes success comes from giving one’s best in every legitimate endeavour and refusing to let life’s challenges define the future. She encouraged young people to remain resilient, embrace hard work, and understand that difficult seasons are temporary, while persistence and excellence often produce lasting rewards.

READ ALSO: 60-Year-Old Man Fulfills Late Mother’s Wish by Earning College Degree

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PUNCH