UNILAG Law Graduate Triumphs Over Financial Obstacles to Achieve Academic Excellence
A recent graduate from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has captured the hearts of many Nigerians by sharing her inspiring story of perseverance and academic success. Mercy Chekwube, who studied law at one of Nigeria's most prestigious universities, revealed how financial difficulties nearly delayed her admission by two years.
From Financial Struggles to Academic Stardom
In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Mercy recounted the challenging circumstances that threatened to derail her educational aspirations. She explained that her father could only afford to send one child to university at the time, putting her academic future in jeopardy. Despite this significant obstacle, Mercy maintained her faith and determination, refusing to let financial constraints define her destiny.
"From the little girl who was on the verge of facing a two-year delay because my dad could only afford to send one child to the university at a time, to graduating in 2025 with a First Class Honours degree in Law and as the Second Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos," Mercy shared in her emotional reflection.
Remarkable Academic Achievements
Seven years after her admission challenges, Mercy has emerged as one of UNILAG's top academic performers. She graduated with First Class Honours in law, one of the most demanding courses in Nigerian universities, and secured the position of second-best graduating student in the Faculty of Law. Her exceptional performance earned her multiple prestigious academic awards, including:
- Emeritus Professor Isaac Oluwole Agbede Prize – Best Student in Conflict of Laws
- Babs Mobolaji-Williams Prize – Best Student in the Final Examination of Company Law
- Ori David Consult Prize – Best Graduating Student in Company Law
Mercy attributed her success to entering the Faculty of Law with a Bible verse, a curious mind, and unwavering determination. She specifically cited Mark 11:24 as a source of strength throughout her academic journey, demonstrating how her spiritual foundation supported her educational pursuits.
Outpouring of Support from Nigerians
The inspiring story of Mercy's academic triumph has resonated deeply with Nigerians across social media platforms. In a remarkable show of support, well-meaning Nigerians and legal professionals have collectively awarded her N600,000 to recognize her achievements and support her future endeavors. This financial support represents more than just monetary assistance—it symbolizes the collective pride and encouragement of a nation celebrating academic excellence.
Similar Stories of Academic Resilience
Mercy's story echoes other inspiring academic journeys from Nigerian universities. Opeyemi Fasedemi, another UNILAG graduate, overcame multiple admission setbacks to earn a first-class degree in Business Administration. Despite being denied admission twice by Lagos State University (LASU) despite scoring 274 in UTME, she persisted and gained admission to UNILAG in 2019, eventually graduating with a 4.74 CGPA.
Meanwhile, a University of Ibadan graduate who studied German language recently received a job offer from The German Language School after sharing her graduation photos online. These stories collectively highlight the resilience and determination of Nigerian students who overcome various challenges to achieve their educational and professional goals.
The academic achievements of Mercy Chekwube serve as a powerful reminder that determination, faith, and hard work can overcome even the most daunting financial obstacles. Her story continues to inspire current and prospective university students across Nigeria, proving that academic excellence remains within reach regardless of one's starting circumstances.
