Born into a family of scientists, Daniella Okamgba chose law and made history. A bold stand for justice at her military boarding school lit a spark that set her apart early on. She clinched top honours as Babcock University’s best graduating law student in 2023 and went on to shine at the Nigerian Law School, earning five prestigious awards, standing out among over 5,700 new lawyers.
In this interview with DevReporting, she spoke on how her story is proof that faith, focus, and fierce determination can take anyone anywhere.
DR: What inspired you to study law, and how did your journey at Babcock University shape that decision?
Daniella: It was quite a surprise to my family when I decided to study law. I am the first lawyer in my immediate family, perhaps even in our family genealogy. We had always leaned toward the sciences, so choosing law was definitely a shift.
The inspiration came during my time in secondary school, which was a military boarding school. I witnessed instances of injustice and inequality, and I remember speaking up in a particular situation. That experience stirred something in me. It was that moment I knew I wanted to become a lawyer and I wanted to stand up, speak out, and seek justice.
Although I had a strong background in the sciences and was very good with calculations, I was also the child who loved to talk and argue her case. Over time, my family began to see that law was not just a passing interest but a passion. They adjusted, supported me, and encouraged me to pursue it.
What also drew me to the legal profession was its nobility. The respect, dignity, and prestige that come with being a lawyer were qualities I deeply admired. My time at Babcock University only reaffirmed that decision. The quality of teaching, the intellectually stimulating environment, and the practical exposure I received brought the law to life in the most interesting ways.
The faculty has deeply invested in our growth, not just academically, but personally. I remember courses like Legal Methods and Jurisprudence that opened my eyes to how law shapes society. I had lecturers who didn’t just teach the law, but made it come alive with real-world insight, integrity, and passion.
DR:You graduated as the best student at Babcock and maintained excellence at Law School. What drives your consistent pursuit of academic distinction?
Daniella: For me, excellence is a form of worship. It’s a way I express gratitude to God for the opportunities and abilities He has given me. Honestly, it’s the God factor. I am created in God’s image, so I’ve always believed that since God is excellent, it is my responsibility to be and do everything excellently. That mindset followed me through every phase of my academic journey.
I am also deeply motivated by impact. I don’t just want good grades, I want to be equipped. Law is a demanding profession that directly affects people’s lives, rights, and freedom. So, I’ve always approached my studies with a sense of responsibility, knowing that the depth of my learning today will affect the quality of my service tomorrow.
Discipline has also played a big role. I set goals, I plan, and I show up, even when it is hard. I’ve learned to embrace structure, sacrifice short-term comfort, and push beyond limits. And beyond all of that, I’m surrounded by a strong support system including: family, mentors, and friends who constantly cheer me on and challenge me to keep aiming higher.
Ultimately, I see my academic journey as a calling, not just a competition. So I strive, not just to succeed, but to honour the One who called me. On a lighter note, I always joke that I’m Daniella, and since Daniel in the Bible was excellent, I’d be dishonouring the name if I didn’t live up to the mandate.
DR: Could you walk us through a typical day in your life while preparing for the Nigerian Law School exams?
Daniella: Yes. I was at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus where I served as the leader of group three. This influenced my reading schedule however a typical day at the law school was. I usually began my day at midnight, reading the course scheduled for the day until about 6:00 or 6:30am. After that, I would catch some sleep from 6:00am to 8:15am and then get ready for classes, which started at 9:00am and ran until about 3:00 or 3:30pm. Once classes were over, I’d take a short nap and have lunch between 3:30pm and 5:00pm. From 5:00pm to 7:00pm, I participated in a group meeting where we discussed our pre-class tasks. Dinner and relaxation followed between 7:00pm and 8:00pm. I dedicated the next three hours, from 8:00pm to 11:00pm, to revising the topic taught that day. Finally, between 11:00pm and midnight, I joined a study group discussion to further engage with the day’s topic.
I applied this everyday except Friday evening till Saturday evening when I observed the Sabbath (Rest) to rejuvenate for the following week. Additionally, before starting a new week’s reading, I make it a point to briefly revisit past topics to stay familiar with the course material.
When classes ended in the weeks leading up to exams, I maximised that period by focusing on drafts, multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and intensive revision. I also made use of question-based flashcards, often practicing with friends to reinforce learning and sharpen retention. There is no hard and fast rule about this. My reading schedule was designed to fit what works for me. As a night reader, I focused on maximising that time. I advise people to identify and stick to what works for them.
DR: What was the most challenging aspect of Law School for you, and how did you overcome it?
Daniella: One of the most challenging aspects was the sheer volume of course content we had to cover in such a short time. It was intense. Added to that, I was a group leader responsible for coordinating and supporting over 150 students. Balancing both roles wasn’t easy, especially at the beginning.
I overcame it by learning to take things one day at a time. When you look at everything at once, it can feel overwhelming. So I broke the workload into smaller, manageable bits and focused on consistent progress. I also tried to make reading as enjoyable as possible, finding creative ways to engage with the material and stay motivated. That mindset helped me stay grounded, focused, and productive throughout the year.
Above all, I stayed anchored by reminding myself of why I was there in the first place. The goal was to excel at the greatest height possible. That perspective helped me push through the pressure and give my best.
DR: You clinched five prestigious awards, including the overall best student in Civil Litigation. Which of these awards means the most to you, and why?
Daniella: They all mean a lot to me because they are a testament to my hard work, resilience, diligence, and determination. But if I am to pick one, it would be the award as the 3rd best graduating student of the Nigerian Law School Class of 2024. This is because of my goal to always be one of the best graduating students. One thing that fueled my resilience was the slogan I had, “Once a BGS, Always a BGS.” I was determined to maintain the excellent path I was on from Babcock and this award is a proof that I did. It is a testament to my faith.
DR:What specific strategies helped you excel in Civil Litigation, earning you multiple awards in that area?
Daniella: Interestingly, I wouldn’t say I had a specific strategy tailored just for civil litigation. In fact, it wasn’t my favourite course. But I approached all courses with the same level of dedication, even if my interest varied. My strategy was consistent reading. In my book, “the Law of Good Success”, I shared that the strategy of any student who wants to excel is to read consistently. This helps you with familiarisation of course content.
Also, because I knew it wasn’t my top favourite, I intentionally gave it more time. I read it twice as much and revised more frequently to build confidence. From the beginning of Law School, I was intentional about all my courses. For civil litigation, I started cramming the rules and knew them very well. I had a dedicated rules note where I outlined the rules for each procedure in both Lagos and Abuja.
Civil litigation also had the most drafts and practical applications, so I took the drafting aspect very seriously. I practiced consistently, reviewed past drafts, and paid close attention to feedback.
In the end, I think I gave it so much that it became a case of “the rejected stone becoming the chief cornerstone.” The course I felt least drawn to became the one in which I was most recognised.
DR: Looking back, what do you think made you stand out among over 5,700 new lawyers called to the bar this year?
Daniella: I believe it was a combination of grace, grit, and intentionality. First, the grace of God, I can’t overstate that. There were moments when strength, clarity, and even understanding came from a place beyond me. That was my anchor.
Secondly, I was very intentional from the start. I came into Law School with a clear goal, not just to pass, but to excel. That mindset shaped how I approached everything, from managing my time, to how I studied, revised, and even how I supported others in my role as group leader.
Discipline also played a huge role. I treated every class, draft, and revision like it mattered. I didn’t wait for motivation; I built a routine and stuck to it, even on tough days. I believe excellence is not just about being smart. It’s about consistency, humility, and the willingness to do the hard work, day after day.
Above all, I am very grateful for my support system – friends, mentors and particularly my parents who were very committed to making sure I attained my goal. Their prayers and encouragement were constant reminders on weak days.
So in the end, I think what made me stand out was a quiet blend of faith, focus, determination, resilience and a great support system.
DR: If you could change one thing about your Law School experience, what would it be and why?
Daniella: Honestly, I have no regrets about Law School. Every part of the experience, the challenges, the rigor, the growth, contributed to shaping me into who I am today. But if there’s one thing I would change, it would be the state of the amenities. I vividly remember a time when we experienced a power outage that lasted for almost a month. It was an incredibly difficult period. Reading became extremely challenging, especially with the intense heat. That experience was physically and mentally draining, and it’s not one I’d want to relive. Improving such conditions would go a long way in supporting students’ academic performance and overall well-being.
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DR: With these achievements, what are your immediate career plans, and where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Daniella: With these achievements, my immediate career focus is on gaining hands-on legal experience and refining my understanding of law in practice. I am intentionally exploring various practice areas to identify where my strength and passion align, while striving to develop expertise and deliver value in each role I undertake. I am also actively building and nurturing my professional network in the legal field.
In the next five years, I see myself having obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from a prestigious institution such as Harvard or another Ivy League university, as part of my broader academic journey toward a Ph.D. I have a strong desire to contribute to legal scholarship and eventually transition into academia. It’s why some fondly call me “Prof. SAN” – a nickname that reflects both my academic and professional aspirations. God willing, it will become a reality. I hope to launch a mentoring program for students.
At the same time, I remain open to diverse opportunities that align with my values and long-term vision. I hope to contribute to shaping legal discourse in Nigeria and globally.
DR: This year’s Call to Bar ceremony recorded the highest number of lawyers in Nigerian history. What do you think this means for the legal profession in Nigeria?
Daniella: It signals a dynamic shift in the legal landscape. More lawyers mean increased competition, but also greater potential for innovation, diversity of thought, and broader legal access across different sectors. However, it also raises the bar for what it means to truly stand out. The profession must now be more deliberate about upholding quality, ethics, and continuous development. Standing out will require more than just a certificate, it will demand competence, character, and a willingness to evolve with the times.
One of the things I love about the law is its versatility. It finds application in every sector – health, finance, technology, sports, entertainment, aviation, climate, and more. With more lawyers entering the profession, I believe it is a call for us to explore areas that have either been underdeveloped or largely ignored.
So, this moment in history should not just be seen as a milestone in numbers, but as a prompt to expand our reach and redefine how law responds to the complexities of a modern society.
DR: Beyond academic excellence, what qualities do you think are essential to becoming a truly impactful lawyer?
Daniella: Character is everything. To be truly impactful, a lawyer must be more than just brilliant on paper. Academic excellence opens the door, but its character, competence, and clarity of purpose that sustain a meaningful career. First, integrity is non-negotiable. Clients, courts, and colleagues must be able to trust you. Without it, no amount of brilliance can carry you far. Then comes emotional intelligence – being able to listen, understand, and engage with people beyond their legal issues. The law is ultimately about people, and an impactful lawyer must have a human touch.
You also need adaptability. The legal landscape is constantly shifting, and a lawyer who cannot evolve with it will become outdated. Be willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn. Keep your knowledge sharp, your thinking clear, and your values intact.
Communication is another core skill, both in writing and speech. You must be able to distill complex issues and speak truth with precision and grace. And finally, vision. A truly impactful lawyer must see beyond the case at hand, toward justice, reform, and a better society. We need more lawyers who don’t just practice law, but who live it with purpose.
DR: What advice would you give law students aiming for first-class results?
Daniella: Law School will test how badly you want that first class. So, start with clarity, know why you want it. Excellence for its own sake won’t sustain you when it gets hard. Then, be consistent, be resilient and persevere. Sometimes don’t wait for motivation; build discipline. Break your work into daily goals, master the foundations early, and revise often. Ask questions, use past questions and teach others.
Above all, stay grounded. Pray, rest, and protect your peace. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and your mindset is just as important as your study plan. Nothing is impossible.
As long as you set your mind to it, and with God on your side, you can achieve it. Stay the course. I look forward to welcoming you with your Red Scroll soon.