Law Student of the Week – Chiemela Iwegbulem

Chiemela is a 500L student of law at the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti. She is also the Director of Moot and Mock Competitions at her faculty. Follow our exciting interview with our Law Student of the Week below.

Kindly introduce yourself.

I am Chiemela Iwegbulem, a 500 level law student of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.

Did you set out to study law? If yes, what inspired your decision?

Yes, I set out to study law after I figured sciences or commerce was not for me at all. I finally settled on law because I loved to argue and prove a point, I saw lawyers as people who always argued then. And on one of the career counselling programmes I attended, I told the counsellor I wanted to become a lawyer, she vehemently disagreed saying I talk too much and I should rather become a marketer. I was so sad. I had to call my dad and tell him what happened and he said “Meme forget what that woman said, you are going to become a lawyer” and since then I knew I was going to prove that counsellor wrong. I’m almost at the point of proving her wrong.

As the head of the Moot and Mock Competitions at your faculty, how have you been able to balance your duties and responsibilities with your academics?

Anything that’s worth doing is worth doing well. So I try to invest a reasonable time in my work as Director of Moot and Mock Competitions, so my academics does not suffer. There’s also a committee set up to help me effectively do the work. So I don’t have all the burden on my shoulders.

In what aspect(s) of law do you intend practising and why?

Corporate Commercial life all the way, especially in Tax, Mergers & Acquisitions and Capital Market. I will still like Real Property. Corporate commercial because of the money firstly. But also because I enjoy doing the research work in those areas. I have had an experience in tax when I worked in KPMG and it gave me great joy to handle something as important as that.

Kindly give an insight on the ground breaking achievements that have accrued to you since you kicked off your study of the law.

I have been able to sharpen my networking skills, with students in other law faculties and lawyers.

I have served on several platforms for the Law Students Society in my school, mostly based on appointments though.

Who is your role model and why?

I have two role models, who happen to be my parents. My dad has taught me to be dedicated, have integrity and be financially wise. My mum has taught me to be prayerful, patient and committed. Together, they are my best teachers and major fans. What else can a girl need!

What other interests do you have asides law?

I love acting. If you don’t see me pursuing after the Law, I’m most likely trying to rack up a script and see how I can be that person and not Chiemela.

What are your thoughts on the current Nigerian legal education?

Well, we still have a lot to do for ourselves as law students. The current situation is not bad, but we can even make it better for ourselves and the next generation. We can start by introducing workshops for law students and encouraging internships, not only at law firms, but also in other sectors where you will most likely find lawyers, which is everywhere.

Where do you see yourself in 6 years?

I see myself as a lawyer making a difference, both to fellow lawyers and even law students.

Any final words?

You will get out from life, what you make of it. So make the best of your life.