Some Pull it off so Naturally; Faithful is Some

 

Hii there. Let's get to know you. 

My name is Okafor Faithful Oluebube, a first-class Law graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. I am the third out of four children. I love God and strive to live by his principles. I am passionate about growth and exploring life. I believe in excellence. I know if I strive just enough, I can attain anything I put my mind in. I know anyone can. 

I currently work as a freelance academic writer and am also part of the Bullwriters Agency. I enjoy taking on secretarial roles. I'm also a tech enthusiast. I am actively exploring various fields in technology to find where I fit best. If you ask me to describe myself, I will say I’m a young woman committed to learning how to live a better, more purposeful life every day.

Has it always been Law? Will it always be Law? Did you always know it was Law or you changed your mind at some point. Any possible career pivot in the future. If not Law, what else?

No, it has not always been law for me. In fact, I can almost say I stumbled into this profession by accident (lol). Let me explain. 

Growing up, I admired various professions—banking, medicine, even computer science. Each appealed to me in different ways, despite belonging to entirely different fields. I was drawn to banking because of how polished and professional bankers looked—the way they dressed, the confidence they carried. I found it enviable.

At one point, I considered medicine. It was hyped, and it felt like all the "intelligent kids" were destined to become doctors. I knew I could do it if I really wanted to, but the truth is, I didn’t. I was and am still irritated by the sight of blood, bones, and everything else that came with the profession. I just couldn’t imagine doing that for the rest of my life.

Then came my love for technology—especially computers. Naturally, being a computer scientist came next. Later, it became law. I suspect it was because I was out of options as an Art student and since Law seemed to be the King of Art courses, I went for it. If not Law, what else? I would have been a computer scientist. I still think I would have enjoyed the profession. 

You're one of the quiet ones. Maybe that is why no one knew you were on track to be the third BGS. Tell us, how did you do it? 

Quiet? I rather you use the word “Reserved.” I think of it as a personality trait that has little or nothing to do with my academic excellence. I like my circle small even if it limits my interaction with others. Nonetheless, I would still go out of my way if it is worth it. Also, I don't like being loud because it drains me of time and energy. Ever conscious of the consequence of investing my time and energy wrongly, I chose to be reserved. In fact, it helped me stay focused on my goal of academic excellence. 

Was first class always the goal? Or was it a welcome accident? 

My First Class achievement was not accidental at all. It has always been the goal, although it was more vague than not at the onset. I gained admission to study Law at my second sitting. By then, my Father had drilled into me that I could make a First Class. He believed that I could do it and advised me to work towards it. So by the time I entered 100 level, I knew what was expected of me. I adopted a focused mindset and stayed true to my goal. But when my 100 level results fell short of the mark, doubt began to creep in. I had this ritual of talking to my Dad as soon as the results were out. He would encourage me and tell me not to relent until I drop my pen as an undergraduate. His words stuck with me and kept me goiing. 

What study techniques worked for you? 

I am a morning person. So I did most of my readings in the early hours of the morning. At some point, I began to frequent the Law Library immediately after class. I also had a serious study group with similar goals. It is difficult to point out the exact one that worked; I did anything that brought me closer to my desired grades. So I can say they all worked. 

You're a deeply spiritual person and served in several leadership roles in your church throughout your academic stay. Is it a route you will advise others to follow? Do you think it helped you or could you have done better without it? Maybe be the BGS?

Serving in a leadership role during my undergraduate years is something I’ll always be grateful for. It didn’t just build my capacity—it broadened my relationships and expanded my network. Honestly, it was rigorous and demanding, but it pushed me to grow and become better. I can’t say whether I would have performed better academically without it, because I never took that path. But what I do know is that I have no regrets. The experiences that came with leadership shaped me into a stronger, more refined version of myself. It also taught me how to manage multiple responsibilities and multitask effectively. Becoming the Best Graduating Student was never a specific dream of mine, so I can’t say leadership stood in the way of that. In fact, I believe that if I had envisioned it and actively worked towards it, I could have achieved it regardless of my leadership involvement.

My advice? Do what works best for you. Strive for holistic growth—excel not just academically, but in other areas of your life as well. Still, be mindful not to overload yourself with so many responsibilities that you lose sight of your primary goal in school.

How did you manage to split your time between academics and church without feeling overwhelmed? Sometimes balance can be a thin line. How did you know that you have  crossed it? How much of enough is enough? 

Time management is crucial in every aspect of life, and knowing when to pause or step back is a sign of emotional and psychological intelligence. Balance doesn’t just happen—it requires intentionality. Thankfully, I learned this early on, and it only made sense to apply it deliberately as I moved through school. Honestly, I can’t pretend it was always easy. There were times I felt overwhelmed. There were times I wanted to cry; I sought for motivation, and even felt tempted to quit. But one thing I never did was give in to that feeling. I reminded myself that I shouldn’t stop until the journey was complete.

So, I kept moving forward—not quickly, but steadily. I learned to take things one step at a time. I didn’t have the luxury of time like most other students, so I had to be extra intentional. I gave more energy, and I made the most of every little moment I had to study.

How much is “enough”? I’m not sure there’s a clear answer to that. But what helped me was constantly reminding myself that I was, first and foremost, a student. That mindset anchored me and guided my decisions. It helped me determine my limits, my priorities, and when to draw the line.

Did you ever feel pressure to prioritize one over the other? How do you handle it? If you didn't answer this in the previous question then answer here. If so, we can skip it. No need for repetition. 

Yes, there was definitely pressure to prioritize one over the other. But the truth is, both were top priorities for me. I couldn’t decide which to place second because neither felt less important. So, the only option left was to learn how to manage both well—and that’s exactly what I set out to do. My spiritual life is deeply important to me, just as much as my academic journey. I didn’t see them as competing interests but as two parts of a whole that needed to work in harmony. I knew I needed God to truly excel in life, and at the same time, I understood that academic excellence was one way I could honor and glorify Him—especially on the mountain of influence where He placed me. To me, they were interconnected. Neither could be under-prioritized because both played a vital role in shaping the person I’m becoming.

Has your calm nature ever been mistaken for a lack of intensity? How did you prove otherwise

Yes. A few people have mistaken my calmness for nonchalance and lack of ambition. I am so glad that my results have proven them otherwise. I dream big. I work hard towards it. I don't brag or boast. I believe the result should speak for itself (res ipsa loquitor). So I focus on the results. 

What would you have done differently?

My undergraduate life is one of so much fulfillment and satisfaction to me. I wouldn't have done so much differently. Perhaps, I would have envisioned the possibility of graduating as the BGS from the onset started working towards it. 

After law school, what next? 

A law firm, of course (lol). Yes, I believe I’ll secure a great law firm where I can work, learn, and grow. I hope to gain hands-on experience while continuing to expand myself—professionally, intellectually, and personally. My goal is to keep adding to my knowledge and sharpening my competence until I become a well-rounded legal professional.

Advice to younger ones. 

Find what works best for you early enough and stick to it. Forget the slogan “school na scam.” Do not be deceived by it. Excellence is still very much valued in today’s world, and it continues to open doors to incredible opportunities. So give it your all, and see the outcome of your efforts for yourself. Build confidence in your ability to succeed—you have what it takes.

As a principle, study as though everything depends on your reading, and pray as though you never even opened a book. I earned my First Class degree without ever engaging in any form of examination malpractice throughout my undergraduate years—and that is absolutely possible for you too.

Where can we find you?

On Facebook, it is Faithful Okafor. On LinkedIn, it is Faithful Okafor.