Brilliant Nigerian Lady Graduates as a Lawyer After 15 Years of Perseverance

In a tale of remarkable determination and resilience, Lateefat Olaide Bolanta, an indigene of Osun State, Nigeria, has achieved what many might consider impossible: graduating with double first-class honors in Law after a 15-year-long journey through challenges and setbacks. Her inspiring story underscores the power of persistence, a supportive network, and an unyielding passion for education.

Early Aspirations and Initial Challenges

Lateefat’s dream of becoming a lawyer was kindled in her childhood, inspired by her father’s friend, a practicing lawyer. Supported by her father, she pursued her ambition relentlessly, choosing the arts class in secondary school against external pressures to opt for sciences. Her journey, however, began with a series of challenges.

After completing her secondary education in 2006, she gained admission to the University of Ilorin in 2007 but was unable to enroll due to financial constraints. Determined not to give up, she moved to Ado Ekiti to stay with her elder sister and continued applying for university admission. Despite her efforts, she faced repeated rejections. When the Faculty of Law at the University of Ado Ekiti (later Ekiti State University) lost its accreditation, Lateefat pivoted, enrolling in a Diploma in Law program in 2008. After three years, she graduated among the top five students from a cohort of 55, achieving a credit grade equivalent to a second-class upper division.

Navigating Setbacks and Finding Support

Despite her diploma qualification, Lateefat’s attempts to gain direct entry admission into Ekiti State University’s Law program were unsuccessful. Unwilling to abandon her dream, she enrolled at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), even though its Law program was unaccredited at the time. To fund her education, Lateefat juggled multiple jobs, including selling used clothes and working as a graphic and web designer. Yet, financial struggles continued to impede her progress.

In 2016, after numerous attempts, she finally gained admission to Ekiti State University through direct entry. This milestone coincided with her meeting her future husband, who played a pivotal role in her journey. When escalating tuition fees threatened her dream, he stepped in to pay her school fees. The couple got married in 2017, and Lateefat welcomed her first child the same year.

Balancing Multiple Roles and Achieving Excellence

Managing her roles as a wife, mother, student, and entrepreneur was no small feat. Lateefat’s determination was tested further when she tragically lost her second child in 2020. Despite the emotional toll, she persevered, graduating from Ekiti State University in 2021 with first-class honors—a distinction achieved by only one other person in the university’s history.

Admitted to the Nigerian Law School in 2022, Lateefat continued her streak of excellence, graduating with a first-class grade in 2023 and earning her place as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

A Vision Beyond Personal Achievement

Lateefat’s journey was fueled by more than personal ambition. She has always envisioned using her legal career to advocate for gender equality and social justice. Her struggles, she believes, have equipped her to be a voice for the marginalized and underserved.

Reflecting on her success, Lateefat credits her husband’s unwavering support, her parents’ encouragement, and her own discipline and time management skills. She describes her approach to academics as proactive and consistent, emphasizing daily study and full attendance in classes.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Lawyers

For students aspiring to excel in Law, Lateefat offers invaluable advice:

1. Passion and Discipline: Cultivate a genuine passion for your chosen field and complement it with unwavering discipline.
2. Consistency: Study consistently, treating each day as a potential exam day.
3. Active Engagement: Attend classes regularly and engage with your lecturers, who are key to your academic success.
4. Time Management: Balance academics with other aspects of life through efficient time management.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Lateefat’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education, perseverance, and support. Her achievements resonate as a beacon of hope and encouragement for anyone facing obstacles in their pursuit of dreams.

As she steps into her new role as a lawyer, Lateefat’s journey serves as an enduring reminder that with determination, resilience, and the right support, even the most formidable challenges can be overcome.

Uroko Ibrahim Anataku, a young Nigerian man living with a physical disability, has proven that determination and resilience can overcome the toughest challenges. Celebrating his graduation with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Statistics from Kogi State Polytechnic, Ibrahim shared an inspiring message on social media that has captured the hearts of many.

“DISABILITY ISN’T AN INABILITY! They call it disability, and I take it with a different ability and work solely with a special ability!” he wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post.

Ibrahim’s journey to academic success was far from easy, but he remained undeterred by the obstacles he faced. With immense support from his family, who believed in his potential and encouraged him every step of the way, he persevered to achieve his dream of becoming a certified statistician.

In his post, Ibrahim reflected on the tough journey and expressed gratitude to his family and everyone who believed in his abilities. “Thanks to my family who have always believed in me and supported my dreams! Many thanks to all that have so much belief in my ability and hope to see me attain greater heights!” Read more about Uroko Ibrahim Anataku here.

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