Double Triumph: Yoruba duo shine bright with academic excellence at Nigerian Law School

July 11, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

Two Yoruba students have made their mark at the Nigerian Law School, with one emerging as the Best Graduating Female Student and another as the Overall Best Graduating Student. Lawal Maryam Abiodun, a graduate of Lagos State University (LASU), and Ifonlaja Oluwabusayo, both showcased exceptional academic prowess at the 2025 Call to Bar ceremony held in Abuja.

Maryam, who emerged as the Best Graduating Female Student and the Second Overall Best Graduating Student, expressed her gratitude and excitement on social media.

“I was officially called to the Nigerian Bar today. I emerged as the Best Female Student and the Second Best Graduating Student Overall in a cohort of 7,134 students.

“I was also awarded the prize for Best Student in Corporate Law Practice, receiving a total of eight awards.”

Reflecting on her journey, Maryam added, “My journey through the Nigerian Law School began in January 2024, when I was awarded the prestigious Reginald Aziza Leadership in Law, Law School Scholarship. It was a period defined by rigorous academic demands, an highly intensive curriculum, long study hours… moments of self-doubt, fatigue, and mental exhaustion. It was also a journey of resilience, growth, and purpose and I am thankful to God for this milestone.”

Meanwhile, Ifonlaja Oluwabusayo emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student with a remarkable 5.0 CGPA. He shared his achievement on social media, “Reintroducing: O.O. IFONLAJA Esq.; LL.B; BL; ACArb; AICMC; MTI-AM; MIAR. LL.B – First Class; 5.0/5.0 CGPA; Overall Best Graduating Student NUN 2023 BL – First Class; Overall Best Graduating Student NLS 2024.”

The Dean of the Faculty of Law at LASU, Professor Kareem Olatoye, praised Maryam’s performance, describing her as “a true ambassador and a shining example of the excellence we instil in our students.”

The achievement of these two Yoruba students is a proof to the academic excellence and determination of students from the south west region.