Following the breaking news of Six ESUT Graduates who bagged First-Class Honours at the 2024-2025 Nigerian Law School Bar Finals, ESUT Monitor had an exclusive interview with one of the great ambassadors of the university, Mr Onovo Chiagozie Precious.

In this interaction, Mr Onovo recalled how his failed mission to achieve First-Class Houours at the undergraduate level in ESUT spurred him to aim for the coveted prize at the Nigeria Law School, Port Harcourt Campus.

The young scholar who hails from Nkanu East, Enugu State, wishes to major in Corporate and Commercial law.

What was you feeling like when you got the report?

I felt most satisfaction and pride. Achieving a First-Class at The Nigerian Law School is a feat I have dreamed for ever since I stepped into ESUT Law Faculty and I felt proud that I achieved this heart-desire. I had a reminder on my app that displays everyday at 8am that reminded me every morning before lectures of my ultimate goal while at The Nigerian Law School. I also had a community of people that targeted First-Class as friends while on campus.

What are your experiences at the Port Harcourt Campus?

What I consider the most formative experience at the Nigerian Law School is the realization that the academic requirement was bulky, while there was relatively little time to prepare. This realization shaped my stay and experience on campus as it directly led to dropping time consuming habits which would not lead to my goal of attaining a First-Class. At The Port Harcourt campus where I attended, I had an amazing time as the lecturers were adept at teaching, the lecture hall was well air conditioned and spacious which enhanced learning, while the bar aspirants from ESUT also had a community where we exchanged ideas, asked questions amongst one another and offered a helping hand, all in a bid to ensure that no bar aspirant from ESUT was left behind.

Did you graduate with First-Class at your undergraduate level?

I did not graduate with First-Class from ESUT. I finished with a Second-Class Upper Division and emerged as the 7th best graduating student in my class of 2023. Regarding what I did differently at The Nigerian Law School, I’ll put it down to two things: clarity and determination. Having not made my desired grade at undergraduate level, I sought clarity as to my shortcomings, and with a better understanding of what led to them, I became even more determined to make a First-Class, especially since I believe I was not far off it at undergraduate level. Determination of the type which amounts to spending 15-hours out of every 24 in each day either studying, revising, working on class tasks and virtually spending all day at the library, up until closing hours.

What is your message to junior ones?

My message to the junior ones is to cultivate a habit of studying and diligence. The Nigerian Law School can be brutal in their assessment and expectations and only a well-equipped mind can navigate the storm. Whatever grade you desire, you must commit to putting in the effort from the very first day, up until the last, there are no days off.

Would you practise?

I intend to practice as a Corporate and Commercial lawyer, while also having time and resources for litigious issues.

What is your aspiration?

⁠My aspiration is to navigate my time at the bar successfully and God willing, to make it to the bench after years of stellar practice.