As the saying goes, no one is an island. My successful journey to the Nigerian Bar was not without some contributions from various persons and institutions. I will discuss these contributors in chronological order.
First, are my parents, for bringing me up in a Godly home, setting good examples on honesty, diligence and contentment. My parents are not rich but they provided basic necessities of life. They did just what they could do.
Then my church, Deeper life Bible Church, for teaching the word of God that saves and for financing my Secondary school education after I lost my sense of hearing. They, through Sister Yemisi Akinbola, sent me to Christian Mission School for the Deaf, Onireke, Ibadan, Oyo State. There is also, Mrs. Udoka Asiyabola, who was my guardian while I was in Ibadan.
When I was admitted to the University of Ibadan, sign language interpreters were not allowed to come to the Faculty of Law to interpret for me, they only interpreted for hearing impaired students in Special Education Department. I was advised to write to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adewole, through the Dean of my faculty, Professor Bamgbose, to employ more interpreters that would come to my Faculty. I wrote to my Dean and she immediately responded, appointing our Faculty Officer to accompany me to Special Education Department to ask for interpreters.
The Head of Department of Special Education at the time, Dr John Oyundoyin, worked assiduously to ensure new interpreters were employed and that I got interpreters on time. He also monitored the interpreters to ensure they came regularly to my Faculty to interpret for me.
My Dean, Professor Bamgbose, went out of her way to persuade the Vice Chancellor to grant waiver for payment of Hostel fees to the Special Students in the Faculty of Law. And when she was no longer the Dean, her successor, Professor Olatunbosun renewed the waiver every year. So, I did not have to pay hostel fees from 300 Level until I graduated.
In 100 Level, I applied for Shell Petroleum Developments Company Scholarship. I was invited to write an examination in Lagos. One of my Christian sisters, Sister Deborah Banire took me to Lagos to write the exam. I passed the exam and was given the Scholarship. Shell sent 75,000 naira annually to my bank account.
Mrs. Agatha Olaniyi, my Secondary school Biology teacher, played a great role in my educational achievements. She believed that I could make Second class upper division and encouraged me to move on and get that grade, even when I was not sure that I could get it. She was also instrumental in connecting me to Deaf Legal Advocacy World-wide Scholarship.
When I resumed first semester in 400 Level, I saw Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation Scholarship (RDSF) advert. Only student with Second Class upper division grade were eligible to apply. I had just entered that grade at the end of 300L! So, I applied. In 500L, I was interviewed by RDSF and was granted the Scholarship. RDSF also supported me with 150,000 naira to pay part of my Law School fees. The balance of my fee was provided by my church, Deeper life Campus Fellowship, Peace Center, Agbowo, University of Ibadan and my family and church at home.
I also got a scholarship from Deaf Legal Advocacy World-Wide (D-Law), USA. This organization supported me – they paid my interpreters monthly, sent me pocket money and bought textbooks for me. They also supported my graduation financial requirements.
God bless the above persons and organizations that helped me on my journey to the Bar and others too numerous to mention who supported me spiritually, financially, socially and academically. Notably, Sister Bisola Ramon, my University of Ibadan classmates– Shalom bought me Evidence Act, there is Tosin Ajibola who was my Right-hand helper in class. We sat together in the front row during lectures throughout our undergraduate days. I learned to go to the Library, take books, read and form notes through her. Ore Adewale, my Right-hand helper in Law School, Lagos Campus, I borrowed her notes daily after class. There is Rachael Ige, my information minister; she never got tired of answering my numerous questions. There are also, my University of Ibadan interpreters, my church interpreters and my Law School interpreter, Mr. Samuel James.
I am grateful to you all and God will continue to bless you all. Your aspirations shall come to be.
