After facing a major challenge that threatened her law ambition, Dr. Temi’ relentlessly kept hope alive. She got an opportunity to travel from Oyo State in Nigeria to The UK to read law and got called to the bar at age 23. She did stop there. She persevered and bagged her Ph.D in law by 27
Here is what she had to say in an interview with Edward Asare
What is your name?
My name is Temi’ Omotola ODUSANYA.
What schools did you attend and what did you read at each stage?
I have attended several schools. I remember about ten primary schools, secondary schools, tertiary and universities! Regardless, the most notable are as follows: A. Babcock University, Nigeria. PhD Political Science, Law and Diplomacy. Thesis on “Legal Appraisal of Corporate Governance and Gender Diversity in Nigerian Quoted Companies” B. University of Portsmouth, UK. LL.M: Master of Laws in Corporate Governance/Law; GCG Graduate Member of the Institute Chartered Secretaries and Administrators; GCILEx Graduate Member of the Institute of Chartered Legal Executives. C. Buckingham University, UK. Law: LL.B (Hons)
What are some of the challenges you encountered on your way up?
I have encountered certain setbacks in my academic/work experience. Particularly, permit me to share a bit of my story albeit, academic story. In 2008-2011, I was a law student at Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria. However, I had gotten to 300 level when I reached a plateau! That year was an extremely tough one for my colleagues and I, as a result of the LCU law accreditation crisis back then. 80% of my colleagues could not afford to start over so they swiftly converted to other social science courses. I could not, I was pressured to follow suit but I bluntly refused! I was bent on law or nothing! About 10% switched to other accredited Universities that had Law program. As a matter of fact, I was part of the remaining 10% without any plan, that packed their suitcases and traveled back to their various homes to properly absorb the shock! It was a trying year, I was labeled ‘school dropout’ that year considering that we were not on holiday, my mates had returned back to school and I was chilling in my father’s house. To summarize this very long story, Jesus miraculously came through for me and I got an opportunity that I never could have thought of/comprehend at the time. I had the privilege of traveling abroad to study Law in England! Like, from Oyo State to the United Kingdom! Hallelujah! Jesus did It! I quickly learned in life that in order for me to achieve my dreams, perseverance and determination are germane! Also, I have realized that sometimes delay, never denial. * The overall takeaway from this particular story/challenge is: Be persistent! Do not stop dreaming, do not stop aspiring to become a better YOU because every good thing will come!
What keeps you motivated?
Eminently, my curiosity to learn new things and know more coupled with the thoughts of meeting deadlines, targets and generally smashing goals. These are some of the crucial things that keeps me motivated.
What is your major achievement so far?
I reckon that my major achievement so far is being a “Lawtor”^* before 30. By “Lawtor I mean, I became a lawyer and (PhD) doctor at ages 23 and 27 respectively. Essentially, I am ecstatic to have successfully defended my Thesis online despite the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic!
Who or what inspires you to do what you are doing?
To the glory of God, I have a solid support system, my backbone, they are my parents and sisters. They are indeed God-sent! Always rooting for me, praying for and with me, going through the motions with me and basically, cheering me on, all the way!
What are your plans for your line of work?
I am passionate about Law, especially in terms of teaching and practicing. I aspire to become a Professor someday soon. Regardless, as a legal practitioner, I desire to reach the peak of my professional career as fellow members – Chartered Legal Executive and Chartered Secretary/Administrator. Furthermore, I intend on volunteering, mentoring and occasionally rendering more pro bono services.
Keep rising Dr. Temi’ Omotola ODUSANYA
