How 5.0 CGPA Earned a Law Student Scholarship Till Graduation

By Daniel Kelechi and Barakat Lawal

“School na scam abi na you no go better school with better grade?”

This question challenges the popular Nigerian slang “School Na Scam”, often used to describe a frustrating situation where one’s degrees don’t magically turn into financial success. But for Adesola Abejide, a 300-level student of Law, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), school is anything but a scam. With a perfect 5.0 CGPA, she has secured a full scholarship covering her tuition fees, accommodation and a fraction of her textbooks for the rest of her undergraduate academic journey.

Adesola’s scholarship was awarded by the Hon. Justice Innocent Umezulike Foundation, an organization set to foster a more civil society by providing financial and educational resources to students and legal scholars.

In an interview with UNILAG Sun, Adesola narrated how her academic achievement earned her an award. “I was informed by the former president of the Law Students’ Society (LSS) Joshua Adeyeye, that I was formally nominated for the scholarship by my faculty at the end of the 200-level first semester. Joshua is also a student-member of the board of advisory for the foundation. I was nominated because I ended 100-level with a perfect CGPA of 5.00. We were two that finished 100-level with that CGPA but the other person is a guy and the foundation requested for a female because the last awardee was a male or something like that and here, we are now.”

For Adesola, the scholarship also impacted her academic life. “With the important things taken care of, I have more time to engage in extra-curricular activities such as volunteer work, soft skills, tutoring, amongst others. Also, academic work will be a bit easier with one less thing to worry about. I can channel all my strength towards graduating with a first class which will in turn open numerous doors for me later on.”

Beyond academics, Adesola is also thinking about her future. “One thing I’m learning is that it’s okay not to have everything figured out at the moment and I do not have a detailed answer for this but one of the things I’m open to is lecturing, undergraduate, postgraduate or any level. I just want to show people that anything is possible if they actually set their minds to it. It sounds cliche but it is dawning on me in my current season of life.”

When asked how she intended to use her Law degree to promote the public interest, she said, “One of the courses I offered in 200-level is Constitutional Law and we explored the concept of Human Rights. I really enjoyed the topics and a Law degree will put me in a good place to help people that are unjustly treated in society amongst other things.”

Her advice to students aspiring to secure other scholarship opportunities was persistence and faith. “I applied for a lot of scholarships in 200-level. I got one that was just a one-time lump sum. Some were rejection emails and some didn’t get back at all. Schooling in Nigeria has taken a different turn entirely and we need all the help we can get. Financially and emotionally, bring everything. So, if you fit the requirements for the scholarship, please, truthfully apply and hope for the best. The “sunshine” will surely come. All in all, please don’t give up.”

In closing, Adesola emphasized the importance of prayer in her journey. “Please, take God seriously and keep praying for favour. The scholarship was orchestrated by the Lord. From me gaining admission when I did, to Joshua being president of LSS when he was, I see God’s hands all over the story. It came unexpectedly. God has our best interests at heart and he can be trusted.”