AFRICA | A young Nigerian lady named Osarieme Anita Omonuwa has made history by breaking a 121-year-old record at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, becoming the first-ever black woman to graduate with a first-class degree.
Omonuwa’s academic journey is a powerful story of resilience, determination, and excellence, reflecting a life of purpose and hard work that continues to inspire many across Nigeria, the UK, and beyond.
Omonuwa's Story and How She Did It
Born into a family that valued education deeply, Omonuwa pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) at the University of Reading, where she graduated with first-class honors in 2013. Her achievement was widely celebrated, marking her as a trailblazer in the university’s 121-year history.
During her time at Reading, she received the University of Reading Scholarship Award and was recognized as the overall best student in the International Foundation Programme. She was also recognised for her academic excellence and leadership potential.
Her father, Augustine Omonuwa (SAN), a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, expressed immense pride in her achievement, describing it as a reflection of her unwavering dedication. “I feel on top of the world as a father,” he said. “She dedicated herself to study, and she got the reward.
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According to Augustine, he had always dreamed that his daughter would follow in his professional footsteps.
Despite her high school’s recommendation for a science-based path, he encouraged her to study law, exposing her early to top law firms and supporting her every step of the way
Omonuwa, on her part, expressed deep gratitude to her family. “My father is a legal practitioner who is so passionate about law. Anytime I have doubts, he is always there to guide me. My mother has been wonderful, and my brother, too, has been my constant support,” she said.
Reflecting on her historic milestone, Omonuwa shared how surprised she was to receive the Chancellor’s Award, one of the university’s top academic honors. “I didn’t even know such an award existed, but I was certain I would graduate among the best,” she said.
After completing her studies in the UK, Omonuwa returned to Nigeria and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School in 2014, where she was inducted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Once again, she graduated with first-class honors, becoming the first Nigerian trained overseas to achieve this feat in the 51-year history of the Law School.
Continuing her academic excellence, she earned a Master of Laws (LL.M) with Distinction from the University of Birmingham in 2015.
She has since built a thriving career in leadership, legal, and compliance management, with extensive experience across telecommunications, energy, technology, and fintech sectors.
Recognized for her strategic leadership, project management, and legal expertise, Omonuwa has contributed to numerous high-profile projects while promoting compliance and ethical governance across multinational organizations.
Most recently, in 2025, she reached another major milestone when she was called to the bar in Ontario, Canada, further expanding her professional reach.
Reflecting on this moment, she expressed her pride in herself for earning academic milestones across three countries and building a successful career. “This milestone builds on my journey as a Nigerian-qualified lawyer, UK-educated professional, and my work across emerging and frontier markets,” she said.
Omonuwa said each step has deepened her understanding of complex legal systems and shaped her perspective on solving global challenges. She is looking forward to continuing to make an impact across borders.
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