Law Student of the Week – Arua Kevin Enyinna
Meet Arua Kevin Enyinna, a student of the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria. Do follow our chat with him below.
Kindly introduce yourself.
I am Arua Kevin Enyinna. I am a Law student from Lagos, Nigeria. I school at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria.
Did you set out to study law? If yes, what inspired your decision?
As far back as I can possibly remember, I wanted to be a lawyer. As a child, I fantasized over pictures of robed lawyers meeting for small talks after court. It seemed to depict the gathering of the wise dignified few. From a more detailed standpoint, I would also add that I was obsessed with the idea of words, logic and use of languages. And also, how they could be used to compel actions in various situations. Being a trained lawyer would then mean to me, to able to speak and write in languages of my choice, to influence the desired change.
Do share with us your biggest feats since you kicked off your study of the law.
It may be seemingly difficult to comment on this as comprehensibly as I should. The reason would be because, I sincerely would not have thought that while I broke through barriers to find a balance for myself, I would get answers to questions I did not know existed. Generally, I would state that the idea of recognising accomplishments, falls short of the little things I truly understand; but I will name a few things, that had worked together to bring about a certain level of satisfaction.
Notably, I have been a recipient of several accolades for being outstanding.
I am generally credited for being a pioneer of legal advocacy in my faculty. Being a part of the first set of students in a relatively new faculty, practical aspects of law were not only new, but strange. An effort to find a solution to this fundamental problem, also presented me with an incidental opportunity, of investing on people, whom consequently, have motivated remarkable achievements in their various lives, and that of others.
I founded “The School of Advocacy” about a year ago. A platform for which groups of law students can come together to discus freely on Legal and Social issues, and broadly anything pertaining to personal skills development. What motivated this, was the need to create a platform of students who wanted more than what is usually obtainable in the traditional Nigerian academic system. The platform, corely encourages free speech and expression, in an environment were sanctions are given to people with contrary opinions. Some of the group’s achievements include:
Organising the first moot proceeding in the faculty;
The first socio-legal discourse amongst students;
The first training on public speaking, confidence in the faculty;
Workshop on Legal Advocacy;
Workshop on Personal Branding.
Kindly run us through your leadership experience.
In my 2nd year, I was elected Public Relations Officer of the Law Students’ Society. Being part of the pioneer excos, I personally got in touch with senior colleagues from over 20 different law students societies, to discuss on the systems adopted by each and all of their societies. By exposing myself to the peculiarities associated with these societies, I was armed with a certain level of knowledge which was used as a tool for my administration, and faculty generally.
With that, I was able to draft a short format and procedure, by which students can bring claims against themselves, or against a body under the society; give the society its motto, which has recently being changed; grow the online presence of the society on social media; get the the faculty to its first National competition; consult for members of other societies, to mention a few; headed all committees in respect to organizing events, including the inaugural law dinner.
Before I left the executive, I pioneered the birth of the Moot and Mock Committee.
I was appointed Head of Litigation by the Head of Chamber.
Knowing fully well, I was not going to run for an elected post in my later years in the university, I have defined leadership to include accommodating different groups and classes of students, for the purpose of speaking directly with them on pressing issues; and engaging in tutuorials, etc
I have had the opportunity of being put at the leadership position of most engagements I have participated outside the faculty, and school. This includes projects done by Law firms for/by Law students, and not too similar engagements in a few other organizations.
I presently oversee the affairs of The School Of Advocacy
How have you been able to balance your duties/co/extracurriculars with academics?
Fundamentally, I consider myself to be an unapologetic critic of the Nigerian educational system, a position that ironically helps me adopt a more liberal approach towards my studies. I spend my time equipping myself with smart tools of work, that generally help me to do more, within a very limited time.
With a progressive understanding of the rules of work, I work by priorities. Jotting every thought on my mind, I calculate how my short term goals, contribute to the long term goals – How my every hour, would reflect when viewed on the macro. Generally with this, I think I have enjoyed to a significant extent, a disconnect to what students around me will normally categorize as stress.
In what aspect of law do you intend practising and why?
International Litigation – Criminal Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.
Primarily I will hold my choice to be the effect, of a blend of my passions, interests and hobby.
More law students are beginning to show displeasure for litigation practice. Do you share this sentiment and what, in your opinion, is the root cause of this trend?
Yes, I share this sentiment, and accordingly, I will identify the root cause to lie on two major reasons.
First.The Nigerian Court System: It is viewed by the very modernised law students as difficult, to be practitioners, in a slow and archaic court system, void of an spirit of growth. It must be noted here that, the cause of this, is neither the lawyers nor judges. Although, older lawyers are more likely to easily manipulate the system, due to their familiarity with its defectiveness. It merely reflects the failure of the Nigerian State and not the fault of the practitioner’s per se. The remedy, therefore lies in the hands of any willing political leader.
Secondly. Litigation pays less. Other aspects of legal practice in Nigeria, has been seen to be more profitable than litigation. Contrary to the static opinion of the older generation in the Nigerian society, young Nigerians have bills to pay. The bad economy, with failed institutions, popularly redirects the law students prospects, to anything other than litigation.
Any role model and why?
I have not had direct contact with anyone I will consider as a role model. I will however say that I have an unending admiration for Elon Musk.
Why? He is ‘Crazy’. The kind I would love to think I am.
What other interests do you have asides the law?
Fashion. Music. Sports. Art and Literature. Culture. History. Politics.
Two year pupilage or a no-no?
No-no.
Where do you see yourself in 6 years? Any plans towards hitting that benchmark?
Practicing Law the way I like it. Doing whatever keeps me happy, as I should.
Any final words?
Very few things matter