Mentorship Over First-Class: Key to Legal Success, Says Ajulo

Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, cautioned young lawyers against equating academic brilliance, such as obtaining a first-class degree, with success in the legal profession.

Speaking as a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association's mentorship committee, he highlighted that mentorship and practical wisdom are essential for navigating the realities of legal practice. Ajulo noted that many first-class graduates struggle to find their footing in law, while those with modest academic records often excel due to their exposure to mentorship and real-world experiences.

He described the phenomenon of the "first-class trap," where top graduates mistakenly believe their academic credentials will automatically attract clients. Ajulo urged young lawyers to actively seek mentorship, emphasizing that it is a professional obligation to foster the next generation of legal practitioners.

He announced plans for a national summit on mentorship and proposed a national policy framework to enhance mentorship across the country, stressing that the future of the Nigerian Bar depends on cultivating principled leaders through mentorship.