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“One of my biggest sacrifices was time…”
“Behind every award was a night I didn’t sleep, a gathering I missed, and a battle I fought alone. But it was worth it.”
By Louis Akwarandu
Lagos, July 19, 2025 — At just 23, Oluwabusayo Ifonlaja has emerged Nigeria’s Best Graduating Law Student from the Nigerian Law School, triumphing over 7,000 candidates to clinch the prestigious title, attributing the feat to his resilience, faith, and disciplined preparation.
In an exclusive interview with The Punch, Ifonlaja, who hails from Ikenne Remo in Ogun State, recounted a journey marked by academic excellence, rigorous routines, and personal sacrifices.
Raised in a family that valued education and character, he began his academic journey at Standard Balogun Model School and consistently topped his class, setting the tone for a lifetime of achievements.
Admitted into Nile University in 2018 and called to the Nigerian Bar in July 2025, Ifonlaja maintained a perfect 5.0 CGPA, and was awarded a record 18 prizes, including the Council of Legal Education Star Prize, which he described as his most treasured recognition.
His transition to the Lagos Campus of the Nigerian Law School, often regarded as the most demanding, was anything but smooth.
He said: “The first few weeks were chaotic,” adding that, “But I created a structure — prayer, study plans, early mornings, late nights, and group discussions. That routine became my lifeline.”
Ifonlaja’s commitment was total. He distanced himself from distractions, paused his hobbies, and threw himself wholly into academics and leadership responsibilities.
He also recalled moments of doubt and emotional strain but credited his achievements mainly to his faith, family, and peer support for keeping him grounded.
“One of my biggest sacrifices was time,” he said, pointing out further that, “Behind every award was a night I didn’t sleep, a gathering I missed, and a battle I fought alone. But it was worth it.”
Beyond his academic triumphs, Ifonlaja now advocates for reforms in legal education. He emphasized the need for Nigerian universities to integrate practical training and mentorship into their curricula to better prepare students for the realities of legal practice.
He emphasized that, “Theory alone is not enough.
“Law students need exposure to real-world practice — courtroom procedure, client interaction, and legal tech tools. These shouldn’t be extras; they should be core.”
As he steps into the legal field, Ifonlaja acknowledged that his achievement marks a beginning, not an end.
“It’s a responsibility. I hope to use this platform to inspire, serve, and drive positive change in the legal profession and beyond,” he stressed.
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