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The Inspiration Behind My Pursuit of Law in Nigeria (Margaret Adenipekun)

By Admin - Friday, 09th Aug 2024

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When people are asked why they want to study law, they respond with their desire for global justice by curbing crimes in society. Some are honest to admit that the wider range of
opportunities a law degree provides, alongside the prestige and financial reward, is why they study law. But only a few think about the poor and the marginalized.

Rather than seeing the law as a deterrent, I found the law as a tool for social reforms, especially through education. At a
young age, I had the privilege to volunteer as a primary school teacher in my community school. It was then I realized that the quality of education I had access to was not the same for every child. This realization exposed to me, how the absence of education sustained a cycle of poverty and dashed the promising futures of these children. This stark reality unveiled the urgency of the legal intervention needed to address this cankerworm and ensure that every child, irrespective of their background, caste, gender, race, or religion, could access quality education.

In Nigeria, the right to education is enshrined in the constitution, yet, in reality, the country falls short of this ideal. Many children in rural communities, conflict zones, or displaced and marginalized families are the usual victims of the difficulties in accessing (quality) education. These difficulties include inadequate infrastructures and social amenities, insufficient funding, the absence of digital access to education, digital literacy training, and other socio-economic challenges that force children to drop out of school to support their families. Additionally, the legal frameworks that should protect these rights are not properly structured, often under-enforced or wrongly implemented, earning many children nothing but vulnerability, and depravity of their fundamental right to education.

During my undergraduate studies at Bowen University, I received a bursary award from an NGO, which sponsored my education for three years. This experience further deepened my commitment to addressing educational inequalities through legal means. The support I received
showcased the transformative power of access to quality education and reinforced my belief that legal advocacy could play a pivotal role in bridging the gap for underprivileged and
unrepresented children.

In response to these oppositions, there is a pressing need for legal reforms and advocacy to ensure educational rights for all, and this has inspired me to pursue a career in law with a focus on human rights and international (humanitarian) law. Also, my academic and professional aspirations have been shaped by a desire to become an international lawyer dedicated to human rights and educational advocacy. I aim to work with international organizations to implement
policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on ensuring access to quality education, especially in regions affected by attacks, and other humanitarian crises, especially in my country, Nigeria. My passion for this cause is driven by the conviction that
education is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for sustainable development.

As I expand my legal knowledge and passion for change, I am inclined to embrace the legal aspects of information and technology. I aim to act as a strong advocate for the protection of students’ data, learning environments, and the educational resources of educators and institutions. By championing inclusive policies, we can ensure that educational institutions adopt technologies that meet students’ needs. Integrating tech law with my passion for
educational advocacy allows me to address contemporary issues through multifaceted approaches. By working with these digital age approaches, I can contribute to creating a legal environment that supports innovative solutions for education equity, and combat the digital divide; ensuring that technological advancements benefit all students.

This motivation is not only why I study law, it is why I advocate for change. I have a Newsletter on LinkedIn where I
post monthly content enlightening everyone on the importance of education inclusivity. I also have a YouTube Channel where I put out weekly videos that help students navigate their academic path to excellence. The challenges within Nigeria’s legal and educational systems have profoundly influenced my journey into the legal profession. The desire to address these issues and advocate for the rights of underprivileged children continues to motivate me in my studies and career. By leveraging my legal expertise, I aspire to contribute to creating a more equitable legal system in Nigeria that prioritizes the educational rights of children and addresses the systemic barriers. Through legal reforms, policy advocacy, and collaboration with international bodies, I believe we can build a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

In the words of Malala Yousafzai, "when the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes
powerful"

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