(An unedited campus article written as a 400 Level Law Student)
By Valentine Obienyem
During our time in the 100 Level, Professor Adejare, in his customary eloquence, stressed the importance of donning the academic gown twice throughout our undergraduate journey: during matriculation and graduation (convocation).
He discussed those who might have faced obstacles preventing them from graduating, such as expulsion, advice to withdraw due to poor academic performance, or voluntary withdrawal due to personal challenges, frustration, or even death. In a few days, our seniors in the 500 Level will wear the gown for the second time.
Making it this far without any setbacks despite the challenges of LASU is a cause for celebration. I am prepared to share in that victory with any of them if given the opportunity; now, I await the offer(s).
Before the offer(s) arrive, allow me to honour some budding geniuses among them who have enriched the faculty with their brilliance. Personally, I value the friendships I have had with some of them to varying degrees. I recall the Ajisafes, the Oguntokuns, the Popes, and some of their principled female counterparts. It would be unfair to only acknowledge their male counterparts.
Mr. Shola Ajisafe stands out not due to flattery, but for valid reasons. I vividly recall our initial encounter during my 200 Level. After the customary greetings, our conversation veered towards my articles, journalism (given Shola’s background as a journalist), LASU, and personal matters.
To this day, I continue to benefit from his invaluable advice and encouragement. It was Shola who suggested I focus my articles on happenings within the school rather than delving into politics, a shift that notably increased my readership. When I faced threats from certain lecturers due to what they deemed as ‘poisoned ink’ in my writing, Shola stood by me unwaveringly, even accompanying me to confront one of the lecturers.
Witnessing the lecturer’s unjust behaviour, Shola boldly addressed the situation, expressing disbelief at the hypocrisy of lecturers who advocated for academic freedom, yet stifled students’ voices. His impassioned response disarmed the lecturer, prompting an apology for his intolerance.
Reflecting on the incident, I jokingly remarked to Shola about his twitching facial muscles, implying he seemed ready to physically confront the lecturer. Shola’s response was light-hearted, dismissing any notion of aggression and affirming his commitment to civil discourse while asserting our right to speak freely.
Allow me to share, without appearing boastful, that I was honoured by the Students Union Government for what they termed as “my impressive use of the media to promote students’ cause.” For a considerable period, I pondered how someone like me, relatively unnoticed, could receive such recognition.
Aware that some resort to bribery for such accolades, I was perplexed. It was only later, when a well-informed peer revealed that Shola single-handedly orchestrated the efforts to have me acknowledged. This revelation prompted me to reflect on Shola’s actions. He did not take into account my status, background, financial incentives, or idiosyncrasies before advocating for me.
Despite his significant contributions, Shola never mentioned this to me. To me, his actions serve as a valuable lesson. So, why should I not hold such a student in high regard, considering all this?
Even in the rush of composing this article, I cannot overlook mentioning the remarkable Mr. Femi Oguntokun. I once likened him to a “rising sun,” a title he rightfully embodies. I also referred to him as “the sun in whose presence all other stars lose their scintillating brilliance,” a testament to his undeniable excellence.
Femi possesses not a hint, but every characteristic of a genius. His achievements in debates and moot trials have garnered widespread acclaim. I’ve heard that numerous chambers are vying for his membership following his completion of the Law School Programme.
Additionally, several 300 and 400 Level Students have expressed interest in joining Femi’s Chambers upon graduation. Femi stands in stark contrast to our current acting president: serene, amicable, modest, exceptionally intelligent, cultured, and respectful.
Let us elaborate on another star who embodies the excellence of the faculty: Pope Eustace. The study of law has significantly sharpened Pope’s innate shrewdness. Mama Susu was impressed by his intelligence while assessing his script in Torts. I have not crossed paths with Pope this semester—or perhaps it is the other way around? I hope he remains the Pope I’ve always known: consistently quick-witted and armed with humorous retorts.
Pope’s allure lies not in his looks but in his impressive demeanour; his eyes gleam with intellect and determination. His distinct features—a stubby nose above a spacious mouth-seems tailor-made for debate. I have witnessed Pope engage in argumentation on numerous occasions; he manipulates words with the skill of a seasoned juggler, effortlessly flipping them around before settling them back in place.
He exudes the confidence of someone who knows they are at the top of their game. It is worth noting, tongue-in-cheek, that some might jest that Pope’s appearance suggests a certain vigour, perhaps mistakenly portraying him as a stud.
A separate paragraph is respectfully dedicated to my friends whom I regard as integral members of their class’s brilliance. I recall the admirable qualities of Ugochukwu Okany, whose demeanour exudes gentleness, intelligence, and discipline, albeit subtly. Shola Salau stands out for his active involvement in politics and his role as one of my most fervent critics.
Timi the Law and I have maintained our friendship despite the hierarchical gap (as I am in 400 level), acknowledging but not exploiting the disparity. Reflecting on my encounters with Stanley of CLASFON, I recall a potential conflict that we adeptly navigated with civility, demonstrating our ability to resolve disputes without escalating tensions. Chief Udeagwa, my esteemed “Igwe,” commands my utmost respect. Lastly, I extend my gratitude to all my supporters in the 500 Level for their constructive literary critiques.
To the unmarried female students, take heart, as your prospective partners are on the horizon. Be exemplary ambassadors as you embark on your journey to law school. We would be disappointed if your intentions there were solely for romance or casual encounters. As you transition into adulthood, experiencing the physical changes of puberty, it’s natural to feel desired by others.
Apart from religious considerations, there’s nothing inherently wrong with moving from one life phase, to another. However, trouble arises when one stagnates and fails to embrace personal growth. I urge you to refrain from superficial friendships and instead focus on meaningful connections.
While I won’t delve into further detail, it’s important for women to consider marriage in due time, while men should have the freedom to choose their own path. Now is the opportune moment to adapt to new experiences and shape your future endeavours. Decrypt the underlying message!
I genuinely celebrate the achievement of all the 500-level students at this moment. You have effectively conquered one of the crucial milestones on the path to civilization – education. It was Diogenes the Cynic who, upon seeing an uneducated person seated on a stone, quipped, “Behold where one stone sitteth on another.” With your education, you transcend mere stones and are not expected to behave as such.
However, it’s essential never to confuse education or erudition with wisdom and knowledge. In fact, it would be beneficial if you refrain from overusing the term “my learned friend,” as it tends to foster illusions among lawyers. Your education should have liberated you from such illusions, sharpening your intellect to possess an informed and amiable awareness of its boundless ignorance. Remember, our knowledge is but a fleeting mirage in the vast desert of ignorance, ever receding as we seek to grasp it.
In his “Opus Maius” (larger work), Roger Bacon begins by listing four causes of human error: “Example of frail and unworthy authority, long-established custom, the sense of the ignorant crowd, and the hiding of one’s ignorance under the show of wisdom.” With due respect, lawyers are guilty of all. I refer you to Rene Descartes’ “Discourse” for advice.
In the awareness of your ignorance, you would have developed a form of spiritual humility and openness that is attractive to knowledge. I have written all these things specifically for the Femis among you, as a warning: the gates of the faculty will be closed to you if you do not return from law school with impressive accolades. We aim to restore LASU LAWS to its pristine glory.
NOTE: THIS IS MY LAST ARTICLE FOR THE YEAR/SEMESTER. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE COME WITH ME THUS FAR, THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNSEEN BUT EVER-FELT COMPANIONSHIP.
Val. 400 Level Law.
