•Ikanna Okim Esq
Miss Ikanna Okim literally broke the internet in 2021 when she excelled at the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), a federal university, as the first graduate to bag a First Class degree in Law (LL.B) after 36 years of the establishment of the school’s Law faculty. The next year after that, she also bagged a First Class from the Nigerian Law School after which she was called to the Nigerian Bar.
As you read this interview, the University of Oxford, world’s acclaimed number one university, has offered Ikanna full scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Law.
In this exclusive interview, the amiable Akwa Ibom State-born legal practitioner and second daughter of Mr Sunny Okim, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of The Frontier, a renowned online newspaper, talks about her academic achievements, her present and her future pursuits in life.
Excerpts:
You’ve been offered a scholarship to further your studies in Law at University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, what does that entail?
I’ve been given an unconditional offer of admission to study for the BCL course at the University of Oxford, arguably the most competitive Masters course in Law in the world. I would be studying as an Oxford-Hackney BCL Graduate scholar.
What is your academic projection after your studies at Oxford University?
I hope to pursue a PhD as well as a career in Corporate/Commercial Law.
Your academic performances have been quite outstanding: You broke an academic record at a federal university, the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) in 2021 by emerging the very first graduate to bag a First Class in 36 years of the Law Faculty; you went on to the Nigerian Law School where you also bagged a First Class. What does it take to be a double First Class graduate in Law?
I would say it takes two things – first, an understanding that God is willing to help you do great things. Second, the willingness to cooperate with God in bringing your potentials to life. This would mean burning the midnight candle, doing your tasks diligently and being genuinely interested in what you’re studying. God is gracious. I must say that I’m a shining example of God’s grace. As a human, you need to also play your own part to do your very best.
What was your upbringing like? Does it have any influence on your academic performances?
I had a fantastic upbringing. I tell people all the time that I was raised with intentionality. My parents did things to task our minds and help us think independently and critically. Growing up, we would read newspapers and explain what we read to my dad. Remember my dad is an astute journalist and writer.
We had really intensive yet fun ways of learning things beyond our age.
I believe that it helped our curiosity and our ability to understand complex things. My siblings are also really brilliant people.
We had a culture of encouragement around us too. Good performance was always rewarded.
You cut a picture of a bookworm. Do you have any time for socials? How do you relax?
I don’t agree I am a nerd (laughs). People perceive me by the part of me they meet first. If you meet me at a social gathering, you might never guess I am into books that much. If you meet me in an academic environment, you might think I have no social life.
To answer your question, I do many things outside studying. I write, I play musical instruments such as the trumpet and a couple more others. I vibe to Afrogospel music a lot. I love movies, I create funny videos exclusive to my friends. I am the clown in my friends’ groups (laughs). I know how to have fun.
You are also a writer and mentor to younger ones. Would you want to mention the books and the outstanding manuals you have written/published so far?
I write legal/academic pieces and have published a couple of them so far. I also write fiction. I wrote and published Insipid, Black Syrma, Stained Blood, Le Mirabilis, Letters to my 9 Friends. Another one is in the works.
In terms of mentorship, I am leading a mentorship ring of amazing young brilliant lawyers who are providing guidance to law students in Africa. The organisation is called The Exceptional Law Student Quarters (TELS-Q) and our community is 600+ members strong across Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and Eswatini. We are doing amazing things and I am certain the future of the legal profession will be better for it.
Aside from your parents Mr Sunny & Mrs Grace Okim, are there some individuals and institutions you would like to extend appreciation to, for their contributions in your academic journey so far?
It has taken a village to build the woman I am now. To mention a few names – My elder sister Dr Utibe and her beloved husband Dr. Alex-okoro, and my kid brother Itty Okim are my biggest cheerleaders and favourite people; My mentor, Dr. K Okwor, is my biggest career influence, as a matter of fact, I dreamt for the first time to go to a top school because of him; Ms. Mmanti Umoh is a fantastic coach and has literally “carried” me for many years now; Mr. Uduak Asuquo – this man is a regular reminder that I should always dream to get to the highest heights and never look down on myself; my professors from my undergraduate school – Prof. Moji Eseyin, Prof. Etefia Ekanem, Dr. Idorenyin Eyo, Dr. Amanim Akpabio, to mention a few. All my super supportive friends make my world go round!
What level do you see Ikanna Okim in another five years?
In the Will of God – that is the safest place to be in the world – the Will of God!
