I met a man, he changed my life!
It was in my fourth year (2011)as a law student at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko that I first met Prof as I love to call him. I was representing Akungba Law Clinic headed by Dr. Olugbenga Oke-Samuel at a Workshop on Pre-trial Detainees organized by NULAI. From the first time Prof spoke, I was enthralled. How could one man have so much intelligence and wisdom, yet be so unassuming.
With Prof, anyone can speak. Wisdom to him is not only in the mouth of the elders.
In that single encounter, I became a different person. From then on, Prof not only became a career mentor but I began to see him as father. Prof kept doors of opportunities opened for me and ensured I walked through them. I attended several training workshops on being an excellent law teacher held in Abuja and Lagos through him. I had the opportunity to speak and share opinions with Learned Professors and Doctors while being just a law student.
Prof gave me opportunities to be a resource person sharing my experience as the Student-Head of the AkungbaLaw Clinic at the International Law Teachers Training Workshop held in Enugu in 2013 and the Law Teachers Training Workshop held at the Benson Idahosa University, Edo State also in 2013. I served as Judge a couple of times at the National Client Interviewing and Counseling Competition having also participated in the competition earlier. Let me mention that I traveled by air during 90% of these trips.
The confidence Prof displayed in me to know and do the right thing despite being so young and not even being a lawyer yet, boosted my confidence in life and inspired me to always put in my best.
I remember Prof checking up on me while at the Nigerian Law School, nudging me on for success and I did come out successful with awards to back it up. He cares about the little details.
I had not finished Nysc service year when Prof started pushing me for Masters.
When I started my Masters program, Prof cared enough to want to know my modules and give his opinion on each of them.
He is Professor Ernest Madabuchi Ojukwu.
He has not yet been able to pronounce my name with a Yoruba accent, but has loved and cared for me like a father would.
He is a Nigerian and has taught me to be one.
Prof is an enigma!
He desires growth for others and births it.
He is a reservoir of ideas. When Prof says something can be done, you can believe him 100%. He is good for his word.
Oh yes! I am now a law teacher! Those trainings can’t waste now.
Ebunoluwa Bamigboye
