AFRICA | A brilliant Nigerian man named Boluwatife Kolawole, who worked multiple jobs to make ends meet while in school, has graduated with a first-class Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Lagos State University (LASU), Nigeria.
His remarkable academic performance earned him the award of Best Graduating Student of the Faculty of Law and five convocation prizes.
Reflecting on the journey, Boluwatife shared on Linkedin that his path to success was very challenging. From secondary school, he had worked at block industries and mowed lawns to support himself.
After graduation, he continued to hustle serving as a cashier in betting shops and as a waiterat events just to survive.
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Kolawole continued to hustle harder even after he resumed university. He taught at secondary schools, managed tutorial centres, and hosted events—all while keeping up with his studies.
Beyond financial hardship, Kolawole also had to overcome personal and physical challenges. In his first year, a fire caused by a mosquito coil gutted his hostel, destroying most of his belongings.
He recalled saving only his credentials that night. In his fourth year, another storm tore off the roof of his hostel, leading to the loss of many of his remaining possessions.
Kolawole also endured recurring ocular(eye) migraine attacks and the emotional weight of being raised in a broken home. Despite these setbacks, Kolawole remained steadfast in his academics.
Over five years, he did 72 courses, earned 58 A’s, 9 B’s, 4 C’s and just one D—graduating as the top student in his class.
Beyond academics, Boluwatife served in 16 leadership roles, including President of the LASU Debate Society, President of the Court of Appeal under the LASU Students’ Union, Southwest Zonal Director of the Law Students’ Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), and Deputy Head of Inn at Lincoln’s Inn Student Chamber.
He also stood out in national competitions—winning a total of 23 awards. Among his most notable achievements were becoming the Winner and Best Counsel of the National Tax Moot (the first-ever held in Nigeria),.
Kolawole also won the Best Debater at the Sylvia Ogwemoh National Moot & Mock, and Winner of the 2023 CITN-ANTAS National Tax Debate.
He was also a four-time recipient of the Vice Chancellor’s Letter of Commendation for both academics and leadership.
Kolawole credited God for seeing him through, and expressed his gratitude to his parents, siblings, mentors, and everyone who supported him.
“Grateful to everyone who housed me when I didn’t have a home. I have now moved on from this feat without any ceremonies, in pursuit of the next one with unwavering faith,” he wrote.
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