Hii! Let's get to know you.
Hi, I’m Munachimso Alex-Uzoatu, a first-class law graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and a bar aspirant. I am the last child of my parents and, as is typical of last-borns, I am fun to be with.
Has it always been Law? Will it always be Law? lf not Law what else?
No, law has not always been my ‘jealous lover.’ In the early years of my life, I lacked clarity on what I wanted to do. At some point, I wanted to be a naval officer, and then I switched to a video animator; later, I wanted to be a nurse. And now, it is law and it will always be law. Any other thing will be an addition. Don't get me wrong, I am not guaranteeing you that I'll always be on a wig and gown for the rest of my life. I mean it in the “I see law in everything” way.
Wow! I didn't see that one coming. I imagined it was Law or nothing. You were a perfect stellar student. The good student's model. You came early to class, answered all questions and even recorded each class. Tell us, what was the motivation? First Class?
My motivation was personal. I wanted to make my mother proud; she had given up so much for me. Most importantly, I wanted to be a better version of myself. I was not always this “serious student,” and I cared less about school or grades. I didn't even mind Ds and Es in my results (I drew the line at F) and I probably didn't mind not finishing university. But somewhere along the line, I discovered that education offers much more, and I didn’t want to miss out anymore. So, I put my head down and sought to make up for what I had lost.
For someone who went from a 2.2 borderline to a first-class. Tell us, what are your secrets? I don't see two heads on your neck.
I became interested in earning a first-class degree in my 200-level when I had 9 A’s and 2 B’s. I was so shocked to see my results. I couldn't believe it. That semester, I had just joined a study group—it helped me so much. We discussed the courses and they stuck better, at the top, centre, and back of my brain. Everywhere. Everything.
My first ‘secret’ is found in three words: the Right Information. I had the right information on each lecturer, class material, and past questions. To know this, you must make inquiries. Most lecturers had exclusive materials that streamlined their topics. I made sure I had all the necessary materials.
Secondly, I read the materials ahead of class because some concepts in law may appear difficult. Also, attending classes was my go-to. If we had 500 classes in law faculty, I attended about 480 of them. As for the remaining 20, it must be the reason I was in a borderline 2:2. If you attend classes, your name would be legitimately written on the revered attendance list, which may count as an extra 5 marks or not. Nevertheless, classes help you to understand both the mind of the lecturer and the coursework.
Thirdly, while reading, I made use of mnemonics a lot. Mnemonics were particularly helpful for a long list of things. I remember using ‘SISTER’ to remember certain equitable reliefs:
S – Specific Performance
I – Injunction
S – Subrogation
T – Tracing
E – Equitable Estoppel
R – Rescission
Fourthly, I read repeatedly. I read a topic, not minding that it was the one-thousandth time of reading it. To ensure my scripts stood out, I went the extra mile to learn other things not included in the class notes. My exam paper was a confluence of red and blue ink if you know what I mean. Also, I never left any question blank even when I did not know the answer. So let me tell you something: write. Just write. Who knows. It may just be right.
Lastly and most importantly, the God factor. After each exam, I would go on my knees praying for my scripts, registration number, and a favorable disposition during marking.
What study methods worked for you? Did the recordings help? What study tip made the biggest difference?
As I stated earlier, repetitive reading, mnemonics, smart reading (using the right materials), and listening to recordings after class (although I was selective of the classes I listened to) were my key strategies. Recordings were very helpful since it was impossible to jot down every word from the lecturer’s mouth. Recordings ‘store time’ allowing you to time-travel into the past and pick golden nuggets. But the studying tip that made the biggest difference was repetitive reading.
Did you ever feel you were overdoing it? After all, school, they say, must pass through you.
No, I never felt that way. Although many people tried to convince me otherwise. I always heard things like ‘ go for parties’, ‘loosen up’, ‘chop life’, and other similar phrases. For me, I endured the academic ‘hurdles’ because I knew that the journey would last only a few years. In the end, I don't think any of them ‘chopped life’ more than me.
Didn't you ever get tired? Read. Read. Rinse repeat. What did you do when it was no longer entering? Did it ever not?
There was a time it was difficult, and I cried. I cried a lot in school. Then I called my friends (study group members) to explain the topic to me. Now, I know better. I know I should have been more proactive instead of wasting valuable time crying. Meet your lecturers to explain difficult concepts. I believe that most of them will be pleased to help.
At some point, everyone was already so certain of your first class, even when you were not. How did you handle all the teases and whinings?
I knew that it was not over until I crossed the finish line. On a lighter note, you ‘whine’ me I ‘whine’ you. Lol.
Seeking first class in a class of over 250+ students can be competitive, especially when the system is not designed to favour you. It is not a surprise that students hoard their notes, extra learning sources, and paid materials because they think it will dilute their answers and lessen their chances. Yet, you were one of the few who shared them. You became the go-to for important reading materials (your recordings are legendary). Why did you? Did you not think that it would water down your marks?
No, it did not water down my marks. I believe that helping others was part of my secret. The more I helped others, the more I excelled.
What could the school have done better?
Em… Do you mean sharing food for students? If it is academic-related, I believe that schools should make contesting results easier. Lecturers are humans and are prone to mistakes, and an innocent student need not suffer for them. So, contesting results should really be a thing.
If you go back, what would have done differently?
I would have attended church services more, spoken with more lecturers and other students. Also, I would have paid more attention in class in my first year and packed all the A’s then. Who knows I may just be the BGS (Best Graduating Student).
What do you tell the younger ones?
Trust God and believe in yourself. You are more capable than you think. It is not only about the books, participate in extracurricular activities.
Where can we find you?
If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out to me at malexuzoatu@gmail.com.
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