Congratulations on your stellar performance at the Nigerian Law School. What personal principles or daily habits do you believe contributed most to your success?
Thank you very much. I think the foundation of my journey rests on one principle: Excellence. As a Christian, I understand that I was created in God’s image and this means that if God is excellent, it is only expected that I am excellent in all endeavors. For me, success is more than grades, it is about reflecting the nature of the God I serve.
Practically, that principle translated into consistency and discipline. I built a routine and stuck with it even on days when it was inconvenient. I would wake at midnight to study, structure my days around classes and leadership responsibilities, and still make time for reflection and prayer. Another daily habit that shaped me was journaling lessons from my study, it helped me retain knowledge and see progress. Finally, observing the Sabbath was central. Taking time off every Friday evening to Saturday evening might have seemed risky in such an intense environment, but it kept me grounded, rested, and constantly reminded me that my strength came from God.
You graduated as the Best Student in Law at Babcock University and then went on to earn a First Class with five awards at Law School. How did you sustain this level of excellence across both institutions?
One thing that sustained me was this conviction: excellence is not an event, it’s a lifestyle. I would often remind myself, sometimes even casually: “Daniella, you are not a local champion. Once a BGS, always a BGS.” That wasn’t just a slogan, it became a personal mandate. Sustaining excellence was never about proving a point to others; it was about honouring a covenant I had made with God and with myself.
At Babcock, graduating as the Best Student in Law was the fruit of discipline, resilience, and a strong support system. At the Nigerian Law School, I carried that same fire with even greater intentionality. Law School is a great equalizer; over 7,000 of us entered from different backgrounds, but the same curriculum awaited. I refused to rest on past laurels. I approached every lecture, every draft, and every test as though my entire career depended on it.
I also came to understand the extraordinary power of the mind. If I could see it, believe it, and back it with proportionate effort, I knew I could attain it. So, I chose determination and optimism, no matter what curveball Law School threw my way. My mindset was simple: if Law School throws the ball, I’ll catch it and I’ll throw it straight into the net.
And then, I learned to dream bigger. I always told myself: attaining what others expect of you is not dreaming at all. If someone else can envision it for you, then it’s not truly your dream. Everyone expected me to graduate with a First Class, so expecting the same from myself wasn’t really a dream—it was a given. That’s why I aimed higher: for Overall Best Graduating Student. I didn’t clinch it, but finishing as the 3rd Overall Best Graduating Student is something I remain deeply grateful for. Above all, this level of excellence was attained by God’s grace.
Many students struggle with the pressure and workload at Law School. What practical strategies did you adopt to stay disciplined, focused, and balanced?
The first strategy was structure. I believe structure begins with self-awareness, an understanding who you are, how you are, and what works best for you. For me, that meant designing a study rhythm around my natural strength as a night reader. My most productive hours were between midnight and early morning, so I built my timetable around that. But structure also required breaking down the enormous Law School curriculum into smaller, daily milestones. Instead of fixating on the mountain ahead, I measured progress step by step. I even tried to make studying enjoyable by finding creative ways to engage with the material, sometimes by rephrasing principles into real-life scenarios, flashcards or quizzing myself like I was in court. This approach helped me stay consistent without getting overwhelmed.
Secondly, I had community. As Group Leader of Group 3, responsible for over 150 students, I saw leadership as a gift for growth. Our daily group discussions weren’t just for the benefit of others; they sharpened me as well. I often say I didn’t have a “study group,” I had a “discussion group.” I studied on my own, but every evening we gathered to discuss the day’s topics and attempt MCQs. Teaching others forced me to master concepts at a deeper level, because you can only explain clearly what you truly understand. The community gave me both accountability and reinforcement.
Finally, rest. Law School is infamous for burnout, but I had learned the wisdom of balance. I deliberately observed the Sabbath, protecting that time for spiritual renewal, and also carved out small breaks for pleasure and social outings. Those moments away from the books kept me refreshed. Ironically, the more intentional I was about rest, the sharper and more focused I became when it was time to work.
You’ve often credited your faith and Sabbath observance as a Seventh-Day Adventist as part of your journey. How has your faith shaped your academic and professional life?
My faith is the anchor of my life. My favorite person in the Bible is Daniel, perhaps no surprise since my name is Daniella. But beyond the name, what draws me to him is how he embodied both faith and excellence. By the Spirit of God, he distinguished himself in professional and political leadership, serving under three different kings and each of whom not only recognized him but elevated him. His story reminds me that God is deeply interested in us excelling at the highest levels, and that walking with Him can take us there.
Some of my strategies for reading were actually inspired by scripture. I remember when many of my friends would complain of feeling overwhelmed by the vast Law School syllabus. During one of those moments, God reminded me of the story of the bronze serpent in the wilderness. The serpent that bit was on the ground, but the bronze serpent that healed was lifted up and God told the Israelites to look up if they wanted to live. He impressed on me: you feel overwhelmed because you are looking at the ground, at the volume of content, instead of looking above, at the strength that empowers you to cover it. That changed everything. It shifted my focus from fear of the workload to confidence in the grace I had to handle it.
The Sabbath was also one of my secret strengths. While many thought resting was a disadvantage, I discovered it was my greatest advantage. The Sabbath reminded me that success doesn’t come from endless toil but from God’s grace. If God Himself rested, then I knew I must also. That rhythm of rest fueled my focus, gave me perspective, and kept me from burnout.
Another scripture that fueled my vision was Daniel 1:20: “And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better…”. I personalize the scripture so, I read it this way: “And in all matters of courses and topics, that the examiners (Nigerian Law School and Council of Legal Education) enquired of Daniella, they found her ten times better than all the aspirants to the bar and students in all the campuses.” That verse became my declaration and it gave me courage to aim higher than the expectations of others.
Faith also gave me clarity. In difficult seasons, I reminded myself that my worth was not tied to results but anchored in God’s purpose for me. That freed me from fear, silenced the pressure of expectations, and gave me the peace to thrive. Today, whether in academics or in practice, my faith continues to shape the way I lead, the way I work, and the way I dream.
Mentorship is a recurring theme in your story. How did your lecturers, peers, or mentors play a role in your growth, and how do you plan to pay it forward?
I would not be here without mentorship. At every stage of my journey, mentors played a role that went beyond academics, they became catalysts for my growth. While I was not mentored by one of those structured mentorship programs at Law School, the mentors I did have were intentional and deeply invested. In fact, I often felt they were more determined to see me succeed than I was myself. I remember one of my mentors once running a rigorous Law School drill with me during externship. That session left such an impression that afterwards, I buried myself in my books with renewed focus and discipline.
At Babcock, my lecturers inspired me far beyond the classroom. They didn’t just teach the law; they lived it with passion, integrity, and an excellence that challenged me to do the same. At Law School, mentorship took a different form through my peers. Through collaboration and healthy competition, they pushed me to sharpen my skills and to never settle for mediocrity.
Because I have been poured into, I see mentorship as a chain, one that must never be broken. Already, I’ve begun mentoring younger students informally, sharing strategies and lessons that helped me. One of my greatest joys was seeing one of my mentees at Babcock succeed me as Best Graduating Student of the Faculty of Law, and 3rd Overall Best Graduating Student at the University’s last convocation. That moment reminded me that true mentorship multiplies impact.
Looking ahead, I hope to formalize these efforts into a structured mentorship initiative, one that equips students not only to excel academically, but also to grow personally. My vision is to help them combine discipline, resilience, and faith in a way that empowers them to thrive and live a well-rounded life.
You’ve spoken about aspirations to pursue postgraduate studies at an Ivy League university, become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and possibly venture into academia and politics. What drives these ambitions, and how do you see yourself making an impact in these spaces?
Impact is my greatest driver. I often describe myself as a free dreamer, not bound by narrow definitions of success, but free to envision possibilities wherever God places me. I see my aspirations not as isolated pursuits, but as interconnected pathways to influence. Each one allows me to shape lives and systems in unique but complementary ways.
An Ivy League education will give me global exposure and broaden my perspective, equipping me to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s legal system with world-class insight. The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to me, is more than a title. It is a mark of mastery, credibility, and influence in the legal profession, a platform to advocate more strongly for justice and reform. Academia excites me because I genuinely love to teach, write, and inspire young minds, passing on not just knowledge but also values. Politics is where laws are not just studied but shaped. If we desire real change in our society, then lawyers must be willing to step into governance.
Alongside these, I also nurture a passion for relationship counseling on an international scale. To me, this is not a departure from my legal and leadership ambitions but an extension of them. Law deals with structures, governance, and justice; counseling speaks to hearts, healing, and wholeness. Both are about building people and strengthening communities. Whether in a courtroom, classroom, parliament, or counseling space, the common thread is transformation.
Ultimately, each of these ambitions ties into one vision: to build systems, institutions, and people that outlive me, leaving a legacy of justice, resilience, and faith that impacts lives for generations.
Looking back, what was the most challenging moment during your academic journey, and how did you overcome it?
In my undergraduate days, the most challenging moments were in the first two to three years when my results did not reflect the effort I was putting in. I studied tirelessly, yet I was only just managing to maintain a borderline First Class. Ironically, the harder I pushed, the more frustrating it became. I overcame that season by doing three key things. First, I learned to study smarter, not just harder. Second, I mastered the art of writing answers that aligned with marking schemes, understanding that knowledge alone is not enough; presentation and precision matter. Third, I leaned on God’s grace and learned to rest. Psalm 127:1–2 in the Passion Translation reshaped my mindset, reminding me that success does not come by endless toil but by God’s blessing.
At the Nigerian Law School, the challenge was different. The sheer volume of course content to be covered within a short time was overwhelming, compounded by the responsibility of being a Group Leader. Interestingly, before Law School, I never wanted that role. At first, it felt like an additional weight. But I overcame it by first accepting it. Denying it wouldn’t change the fact that I was chosen, so I resolved to give it my best and approach it with the same excellence I brought into every other area of my life. I also learned to focus on the benefits rather than the disadvantages. Being a leader gave me opportunities to reinforce my learning through teaching and discussions, which eventually sharpened me.
To manage both the workload and the leadership responsibilities, I learned to take things one day at a time. Looking at everything at once was overwhelming, so I broke tasks into smaller, manageable bits and focused on steady progress. I also tried to make studying enjoyable, engaging creatively with the material to avoid burnout. Above all, I stayed anchored by constantly reminding myself of why I was there: the goal was to excel at the highest level possible. That perspective helped me push through the pressure, turn challenges into opportunities, and give my very best.
Finally, what message would you give to young African students, especially aspiring lawyers, who look up to your story as proof that excellence is possible?
My message is simple: excellence is possible, no matter where you begin. Your background, environment, or challenges do not define your future; they are only the starting point. What truly defines you is your mindset, your discipline, and your faith. These will carry you farther than you could ever imagine.
Be intentional. Set clear goals, create a plan, and commit to it. Be resilient. The journey will get tough and it will test you, but don’t quit. Challenges are not roadblocks; they are training grounds. And above all, anchor yourself in God. His grace is the foundation that turns effort into lasting success. I am living proof that with grace, determination, and focus, no dream is too distant. If you dare to believe, work diligently, and trust God’s timing, you will find yourself achieving more than even you thought possible.
In the next five years, where do you see yourself?
In five years, I envision having completed my LL.M. at an Ivy League university and actively building the foundation for a Ph.D., and deepening both my legal expertise and practical experience. I picture myself standing on global platforms sharing insights, contributing to reforms, thought leadership, and representing the strength of African excellence.
I also anticipate launching a mentorship program that invests in the next generation of African lawyers, equipping them with not just knowledge, but resilience, vision, and the confidence to thrive on a global scale. Alongside this, I hope to have nurtured my passion as a relationship counselor, impacting lives beyond the courtroom. Above all, I imagine myself still growing, still serving, and still proving that excellence is not a finish line, but a lifelong calling.
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EDUCATION
NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL
Barrister at Law (B.L) – First Class 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS
● Justice Olujide Shomolu Award for best student in Civil Litigation
● Mr D.D. Dodo OFR SAN Award for Best Female Student in Civil Litigation
● Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, GCON Award for Best Female Student in Civil Litigation.
● Chief T.O.S. Benson CFR, SAN Award for the 3rd Overall Best Student of the Year
● Director General’s Prize for First Class Student
BABCOCK UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) – First Class (4.77/5.00)
2018-2023
ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS
● Dean’s Award for Best student with highest CGPA (4.77) in Law and Security Studies.
● Mouka Award of Excellence to Overall Best Graduating Student in Law
● Late Mrs. Bilkis Abosede Adeyemi Prize for Overall Best Student in Law.
● Academic Program Prizes for Best Graduating Student in Law and Security Studies
● STL Trustees Nig. Ltd. Prize for the Best Graduating Student in Law of Trust.
● Professor Paul Ananaba SAN Prize for Best Graduating Student in Jurisprudence.
● Late Mrs. Comfort, Monisola Ojo prize for Best Graduating Student in Company Law.
● Late Princess Beatrice Adefunke Olanrewaju Prize for Best Graduating Student in Nigerian Land Law
● Prof. Titilayo Aderibigbe prize for the Best Graduating Student in Law of Evidence and Procedure
● Late Prof. Zac Olomojobi prize for the Best Graduating Student in Criminal Law.
WORK EXPERIENCE
BANWO AND IGHODALO, Lagos, Nigeria
NYSC Associate March 2025- till date
CHIEF ROTIMI WILLIAMS’ CHAMBERS (FRA LAW) Lagos, Nigeria
Legal Extern:
OLANIWUN AJAYI LP Lagos, Nigeria
BANWO AND IGHODALO, Lagos, Nigeria
Graduate Intern: November 2023
PAUL C. ANANABA & CO, Lagos, Nigeria
Legal Intern
June –July 2021
LEADERSHIP:
Group Leader | Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus 2024
Moot and Mock Society | Law Student Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), Babcock University Chapter
Lord Chancellor 2022-2023
Deputy Lord Chancellor 2021-2022
Nigeria Association of Adventist Student (NAAS), Babcock University Chapter
Vice President 2020-2022
CERTIFICATIONS
● Member, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), 2024
● Associate, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), UK 2024
VOLUNTEERING
● Academic Tutor, NLS Preparatory Academy ( December 2024 – March 2025)
● Member of Client Counselling Society, Babcock University Chapter (2019- 2023)
● Member of Moot & Mock Society, Babcock University Chapter (2019- 2023)
● Volunteer Pharmacist Assistant at Operation Reach Back (July 2019 – August 2019)
● Volunteer Member of “Ososa Experience” (February 2020)
Author, ‘The Law of Good Success: From Averageness to Double Best Graduating Student” (2nd Ed.)
● Discharge of Contract by Covid 19 Pandemic- A New Narrative in Contractual Obligation, available at
https://yourlawyer.com.ng/discharge-of-contract-by-covid-19-pandemic-a-new-narrative-in-contractualobligation-by-okangba-daniella-chisom/
LinkedIn: Daniella Chisom OKANGBA
Instagram: daniella_okangba
Twitter: daniellachisomm
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
