In the final moments, the events from the initial minutes start to flash back. On our deathbeds, we reflect on how we've lived—whom we've loved, who loved us, and the choices we've made. The fading of amnesia and our active brains enable us to assess our lives, allowing self-judgment before facing God to determine our destiny.

In my last days as a university undergraduate, I've been reminiscing about my student life. Each day, attending classes, taking tests, and responding to school-related messages, I realize the imminent end of the mighty five-year journey. Excitement and terror intertwine, as I transition into graduate life—a man. The mixed emotions aren't about the future but rather the past—my life as a noble Lawsanite.

My experience as a law student at the prestigious University of Calabar has been a blend of joy, pain, love, and predominantly, moments of depression, doubt, self-hatred, and feelings of inferiority, even within the topmost department of the university. Here, I share the lessons these five years taught me, advice on how to live, and reflections on what I would have done differently. Hopefully, you find my seemingly mundane life worthy of your time.

Main Gate: The Beginning

Everyone's experience at the University of Calabar is unique. If everyone wrote about their time there, you'd likely never encounter the same story twice. Interestingly, one thing unites everyone: their journey begins at the Main Gate.

Just like every other person, my journey on Day 1 began from the Main gate however, my "first day" wasn't quite a first day in the way you'd ordinarily think. My sister had shown me around campus a few days prior, so I navigated the school with ease, especially knowing which shuttle to take. This wasn't the case for most freshmen. We'd chuckle at those who yelled at drivers for not stopping at their preferred spots – Unical has designated bus stops, but how would a newcomer know that?

Regardless, as a law student on my first day, I had a General Studies Course (GSC) on "Use of English." Despite knowing my way around, I had no clue where the class would be. Coming from a well-organized secondary school with accessible timetables, I naively expected Unical to function similarly. This hindsight is comical, I admit, but can you blame me?

Like many others, I ended up at the magnificent E-library, one of the school's largest buildings. It's ironically the most popular landmark, despite being a 15-minute walk from the Main Gate. Most people know the E-library first – funny, isn't it?

Let's talk about the E-library for a moment. Imagine a large, H-shaped building with multiple classrooms underground and on the first floor. Inside, over 20,000 books by established authors are safeguarded. It's also the main venue where the adored faculty of law held their lectures. If you've ever been to Unical, even the spirogyra on the walls wouldn't distract you from its aesthetics.

I walked in, hoping to find my classmates, whom I hadn't met yet. Despite my optimism, it took a while. After a few minutes, I spotted a lanky-looking man. He introduced himself as Benjamin, and like me, he was on his way to the GSC lecture venue.

Walking with him, I must confess, was my first frustrating experience as a Unical student. I'm sure you can relate to the exhaustion of walking with someone who knows everyone and stops to chat for at least three minutes with each person. Within minutes, it became clear that Benjamin was a social butterfly. He knew many women and didn't seem to mind potentially being late for class as long as he could share hugs and smiles. With no other option, I resigned myself to walking with him. After all, as the saying goes, "follow who know road," and that's exactly what I was doing.

We arrived in the classroom a few minutes past the lecture time. To my disappointment, the lecturer wasn't there. Instead, a man everyone called AGB stood sweating profusely in front of the class. Confused, I leaned over to someone nearby and asked, "What's he doing?"

"He's giving us orientation," the student replied.

I sat down slowly, my eyes fixed on AGB as I took off my bag and placed it on the desk. He droned on for several minutes about various topics that now escape me. The only thing that stuck out was when he abruptly shouted, "Greatest Gbosa!”

My heart skipped a beat. At first, I found it funny, but then he repeated the phrase, and the other freshmen responded with a booming "Gbosa!" For a moment, I felt completely lost. Had I been in the wrong room all along? Was this some kind of club meeting Benjamin hadn't told me about?

You might find this situation humorous, but trust me, I wasn't alone in my confusion. AGB must have noticed the bewildered expressions on our faces because he started laughing.

"Don't worry," he reassured our wide-eyed group, "you haven't stumbled into a secret society. These are just school cheers, and you'll get used to them."

Taking a step back with his hands clasped behind him, he introduced himself. "For those of you who just arrived," he said, "my name is Etaba-Agbor, but you can call me AGB.”

He left shortly after, leaving me even more confused about the whole experience. Just a few minutes later, we received word that the class had been canceled. While I quickly forgot about the missed lecture, the name "AGB" and his eccentric personality stuck with me, forming the basis for the next section.

“ Americana AGB oh…..”

Just like water sustains life, data fuels the internet, and healthy meals and hygiene promote good health, a strong union is essential for the University of Calabar (Unical) to thrive at least at student level. Throughout my time at Unical, I've witnessed many student governments, but none compared to the era of AGB.

AGB was phenomenal – legendary in my eyes. His fame as the "moot God" spread across the entire campus. From the ends of the engineering department to the heights of the amphitheater, his name was well known. He was the pride of the Law faculty, a name everyone knew. Songs were written about him; he was practically a student deity.

I learned more about legal methods and exams from AGB than from my lecturers themselves. He was open-minded, free-spirited, brilliant, and eloquent – the complete package. Before him, I was a mentee of Odu Peter, but AGB's impact was unparalleled in my five years at Unical.

A chant often echoed through the halls: "Americana AGB oh. Americana AGB oh. Anywhere he goes, he dey win award oh, Americana AGB oo." When AGB gave me his number, I felt a surge of pride, like I was someone important. And whenever he addressed me by name, my sense of relevance grew even stronger.

However, in my youthful naivety, I didn't realize that behind AGB's good intentions and deeds lay the hope of securing my vote for Lawsan president. And vote for him I did. The years following the AGB experience shaped my perspective on student leaders, and I'm eager to share this strategy with you.

Hold on, don't judge! The strategy might be old, but it's effective. And guess what? It's not going anywhere. Newbies in the faculty are already adopting it. Look, if you have your sights set on a student office, especially a Lawsan office, you could use it too. Freshmen are wide-eyed and trusting – it's a tried-and-true method.

Ever since AGB's time, the winners of Lawsan elections have typically been the star tutors, with one exception – my good friend Elizabeth Idiku. I never even attended her tutorials, but everyone adored her. She had all the qualities of a great president, and like me, many others were smitten. Giving away free rice? Now that's a campaign strategy I can get behind! The aspiring male presidents are usually on suit or waistcoats chasing after freshmen to "tutor" them.

Don't get me wrong, it's a simple business transaction, quid pro quo in legalese – I tutor you, you vote for me. Easy. This tactic is especially popular among presidential candidates.

Now, for the social director hopefuls, their campaigns are a whole different ball game. They spam WhatsApp groups with messages and plaster smiles on their faces for people they wouldn't normally give the time of day. Politics is a funny thing, right?

The most unforgettable Director of Socials candidate I knew was the late Ebaye Akonjom. His legendary catchphrase, "for the culture," is still used today. He had an undeniable charisma, the kind you could feel from a mile away, and a fiercely loyal group of friends. Everyone, myself included, fell under his spell – even without knowing who he was. He was the ultimate chill dude: witty, loud, and unforgettable. May he rest in peace.

Before becoming president himself, AGB was a powerhouse on the campaign team of his friend and classmate, Mbang Confidence. We'd erupt in song, chanting "I got confidence in you, Mbang!" to show our support. Unlike AGB, Mbang set his sights on the highest student office – the SUG presidency. And let me tell you, he looked like a natural-born leader.

His rival, RMD, whose supporters often referred to as the "remedy," was just as popular. The election results shocked everyone. We all thought Mbang had it in the bag, but hey, Nigerian politics, even at the student level, is a wild card. That's the beauty of it, isn't it? AGB took the results the hardest and led a peaceful protest, challenging the outcome. The man was a force to be reckoned with. In the end, the results remained unchanged, and life marched on.

SUG Elections: A Spectacle of Popularity

SUG elections and campaigns are a whole different beast compared to Lawsan elections. Here, candidates need to be superstars – popular and admired across the entire campus. It's a demanding job, but as the saying goes, "no pain, no gain." Presidential hopefuls throw themselves into the thick of things, aiming to become everyone's best friend. You'd see them strolling around campus multiple times a day, often surrounded by an entourage to project their importance. T-shirts are printed, and the walls – well, at least before the current VC's time – were plastered with posters and flyers from various aspirants, all wishing us success in our exams or welcoming us back to school.

SUG elections are a whirlwind of expense and enthusiasm. I used to get caught up in the thrill, except for the constant buzzing of my phone from all the support groups I was somehow added to. But hey, unionism can be incredibly interesting if you have the stamina to participate. If you can belt out "greatest Gbosa and gbosa" fifty times a day at the top of your lungs without getting parched, then you're in! Personally, I preferred being an observer, enjoying the view from the sidelines.

One unforgettable moment happened during a constitutional law class with the ever-dapper Dr. Joe Edet. Mbang Confidence and his crew burst into the classroom, pleading with the lecturer to excuse us for the day. Why? So we could cheer him on at the presidential debate. Dr. Edet agreed, but here's the thing: I actually wanted to stay in class. Not because I wasn't rooting for Mbang, but because Dr. Joe had just introduced a fascinating concept – the supremacy of the constitution – using a word that piqued my curiosity: "autochthony." Like everyone else, I was eager to learn more. But duty called, or rather, Mbang's confidence needed a boost, so the class ended early. The concept of autochthony is brilliant, and while I won't explain it here, it sets the stage for the next section…

“.... It is the Autochthony of the constitution…”

You're dying to know what "autochthony" means, right? It basically refers to something being native or originating from a particular place. In the context of a constitution, it means the document was created by the people it governs, not imposed on them. Think of the phrase "We the people" in the preamble of the Nigerian constitution. That, along with the process used to create the 1999 constitution, makes it an autochthonous document – built by the people, for the people. Pretty cool, huh?

Dr. Joe Edet holds a special place among my classmates for his frequent use of this word. Though I didn't take notes during his entire autochthony lecture, I still remember most of it. Unlike many lecturers, Dr. Joe has a unique teaching style that some find challenging, but I consider it the best. He blends humor, history, facts, legal cases, and principles to give you a deeper understanding of the topic. Plus, he talks fast, which was a bonus for me – a self-proclaimed rap fan who could keep up with his pace.

While Dr. Joe remains my favorite, he's certainly not the only outstanding lecturer. To any lecturers reading this (if you do!), please understand I'm not undermining your contributions. The lecturers I mention next simply have teaching styles I found particularly intriguing, and you know, not everyone will agree with my choices. But hey, this is my story!

Making it to your second year at the University of Calabar Law Faculty means encountering one of the finest – Dr. Alobo E. Eja. His grasp of contract law is phenomenal, and his Contract Law textbook is legendary for its simplicity. You might be skeptical, but trust me, Dr. Alobo's lectures stay with you. Attend them all, and you'll ace his exams. He's known for being strict, and rightfully so – there's no room for casualness in law school. Every Tuesday morning during contract class, he'd instruct us to wear suits. Woe betide anyone who dared to show up otherwise! Even now, I see some younger colleagues in suits on Tuesdays, and it makes me smile, a reminder of the good old days. Dr. Alobo didn't just teach law; he taught life lessons. Like a strict but caring father, he ended every lecture with advice on living a good life. We might not have always appreciated it, but he pushed us to be our best selves, and he wasn't kidding around. He believed in our potential and constantly reminded us of it. No one who went through Dr. Alobo's class, myself and my classmates included, will ever forget him. Juniors, take his classes seriously!

To keep this from becoming a novel, I'll skip a few fantastic lecturers and jump to Prof. J. A Dada. His voice, unlike most men's, has the booming authority of thunder. His poise, style, and lecturing methods are unlike anything you've experienced (unless you've been lucky enough to be his student already). I always imagined professors as complex beings, but he has a knack for simplifying even the most intricate topics. His books, like Dr. Alobo's, are incredibly clear and easy to understand. When shopping for law books, I highly recommend checking out their works first. Prof. Dada makes law seem manageable. He breaks things down so well that you won't be left with a single unaddressed question – a true legal scholar.

While I can't delve into detail about all the other lecturers, I can't leave them unnamed. Barr John Egbe made labor law seem like a breeze, Dr. Lawrence Edu is a constitutional law whiz, Barr Amarachi simplifies everything, and Barr Esther Aniashi is another fantastic teacher. Prof. Duru will always hold a special place in my heart, Dr. Mike Otu is a brilliant writer, Prof. Jack Osimiri is a legend, and Associate Prof. Jacob Otu is incredibly generous. These men and women made me love the law course. Their lectures were something to look forward to, and I encourage you to feel the same way.

Admittedly, first year wasn't all sunshine and roses. But yes, Barr Akpanke was a good lecturer too. He's very open and easygoing, and it was during a class presentation organized by his co-lecturer that I met the girl I'd later fall for. You already know who she is, so don't act surprised!

“ I like how big your eyes are “

Few years ago, I came across a strangely accurate tweet that boys supposedly found love early on at the University, maybe first or second year and end up heartbroken in their 3rd year. In my first two years, if you saw me, you might've wondered if I even had emotions for romance. People teased me for seeming uninterested in girls, but the truth was, I had my eye on someone special.

Born the same month this article appeared, she was everything you'd want. But what captivated me most were her big, expressive eyes. On our second meeting, I held her cheek, gazing into those eyes like I wanted to see her soul. With a goofy grin, I blurted, "I love how big your eyes are!”

Halal principles aside, I was smitten and ready to bend the rules for her. She had a vibe that drew me in, and somehow, I convinced myself this beautiful friendship was more. Jealousy flared whenever she laughed with other guys, fueling my need to appear funnier and sweeter.

The truth was, I was the only one in love. I didn't particularly enjoy the feeling, and at the time, romance wasn't a priority. But around her, it was different. I let her touch my shoulders, smiled at her winks, caught her playful kisses, and even shoved friends aside to save her a seat during classes.

Looking back, I just sigh and smile. Love is crazy. Now, I'm scared to experience it again. That relationship taught me love doesn't always bring happiness. It can inflict pain, and if we're not careful, our own expectations can hurt us.

She likely just wanted friendship, but I misinterpreted her signals. I confided in my mom, who advised detachment, but I couldn't let go. Every attempt to distance myself led me back to her – and let me tell you, she was incredibly sweet.

In my obsession, I forgot about loving myself. I forgot to feel good on my own, to laugh at my jokes. I foolishly built my happiness on someone who wasn't reciprocating. She didn't see me the way I saw her, and I can't blame her.

Back then, I wasn't lovable. A bad grade shattered my self-esteem. The once outgoing David became a ghost. A single grade kept me from walking with friends. I hated myself, doubting everything I believed in. It's crazy how little things can produce the biggest outcomes.

All I craved was happiness, and she seemed to embody it. I clung to her tightly, wanting to somehow absorb her wonderful flaws. Self-loathing consumed me. I couldn't even look my friends in the eye, convinced a bad grade meant I was worthless. It was a lie I clung to.

The irony is, I actually understood the course I failed, and even helped some classmates with Legal Method. I hated everything about myself. I stopped caring for my appearance, skipped school, and froze up in class. I compared myself relentlessly to my friend Falz, wishing I looked like him. Richard's face seemed perfect, fueling my self-condemnation. I'd jokingly call myself "handsome," but never believed it.

The quiet life I led for five years wasn't who I truly was. I'm not an introvert. I used to be social, but convinced myself I was the most miserable person around. She made me feel good, different, confident. To impress her, I'd conquer my fear, hiding my anxiety under a suit, and participate in class discussions. Yet, whenever she was absent, I felt a terrible emptiness. Maybe it wasn't real love. Perhaps I just couldn't love myself enough to believe I was worthy. I placed that belief in someone I idealized.

Oh well. When I confessed my feelings, she just laughed, leaving me hanging. It's been four years since she japa'd with her family, and I still think about her. I wonder if she remembers the lanky, awkward boy – David.

A Note On Grades

Grades can shatter or boost confidence. I got an E in a simple class, Legal Method, despite getting A's and B's otherwise. It took time to regain my confidence. Grades are important, but a single exam shouldn't define you. It's not a true test of knowledge, just how quickly you can recall information. Some professors use them punitively, but that wasn't my experience.

As I continued my student journey, I discovered easy ways to beat examinations. I tried these methods and others and I failed at some and got some. So, in no particular order, here's how to get the best out of exams as a law student:

Attend every class. Most times, lecturers expose what they'll ask in class and even when they don't, a single sentence from them can be the difference. These statements sometimes, can't be found in written documents and you'll miss them if you're absent After classes everyday, pick a favorable time; an hour or two and read through the notes for that day, try to summarize it in your personal note. No matter how tired you feel, don't procrastinate this, it'll save you exam stress. Create your own notes or copy someone's note. Do not snap them especially if you want to know what you're studying. When you write things down, in my experience, you'll almost never forget them. Study alone and in a group Share ideas and discoveries with your mates. School isn't a competition. You'll understand more when you teach others and you don't have to speak, you can just write. Ask questions. I won't advise you to ask every lecturer because many of them won't answer your questions. Ask your seniors, trust me, seniors always want to flex their knowledge. Study past-questions and force yourself to answer as many as you can.

From my experience, these activities only takes up tiny bits of time everyday and it's much better than the last minute rush few days to exam.

If you're a law student reading this, chambers also organize tutorial classes for their members and in the next section, I'll talk about chamber activities and why it is important for you as a law student.

Of course I'm a Ganite…

During my introductory Legal Method classes, several student chambers visited our program. Among them, Gani Fawehinmi Chambers of Justice stood out. Philomina (Mina) Atambi, now Mrs. Philomina Obeten Esq., the Principal Counsel at the time, was captivating and approachable. Though her mid-class visit to recruit us might have disrupted the flow, I found her enthusiasm infectious. Shortly after, I felt compelled to join the chamber, a decision I never regretted.

Gani Fawehinmi Chambers holds a special place in the Faculty of Law at Unical. It has consistently boasted prominent Principal Counsels, including Philomina Obeten Esq, Ititim Emmanuel, Emmanuel Eyo, Offiong, and most recently, my good friend Emmanuel Chizurum. Their impressive track record is a significant reason why many students aspire to join Gani.

For context, other well-known chambers like Ndoma-Egba, Ita-Inang, Root, Nta-Nta, and the newer Lex Fori (formed by a breakaway group from Ndoma-Egba) exist within the faculty. While these chambers offer valuable experiences, Gani Fawehinmi Chambers has established a high standard for excellence.

The Benefits of Joining a Chamber

There are compelling reasons to join a student chamber. Primarily, it fosters a sense of belonging and creates a supportive network. Chambers also provide opportunities to learn practical litigation skills, stay updated on contemporary legal practices, hone your debating abilities, attend student-led tutorials, and participate in competitions. These experiences can be highly rewarding, as evidenced by the "juicy student medals" one can win.

While I wasn't always actively involved, being part of the chamber introduced me to lifelong friends. They consistently looked out for me, demonstrating the true value of this community. I'll delve deeper into these friendships and the wonderful people who enriched my university experience in the next section.

Let's take a group photo….

Throughout my five years at the faculty of law, I was fortunate to build incredible friendships with a diverse group of people. Some became like sisters, others mentors, and a few even playful rivals. Their unwavering support, guidance, and sometimes even good-natured teasing shaped my perspective and enriched my life. Here, I want to highlight a few who made the most significant impact.

In my third and fourth years, I developed a close bond with the ever-supportive Favour Njoku. She possessed an uncanny ability to sense when I needed someone to talk to, offering encouragement and unwavering friendship. Countless times, her calls and conversations lifted my spirits, even when I wasn't aware I needed it. Her nurturing nature is a gift, and I'm forever grateful to have met her.

During my first year, I met Falz, the "guy with the Hindu beard and a crocheted bag," near the faculty building. Little did I know, a casual conversation by the Fidelity Bank building about something called "HTML" would spark a two-year journey into the world of programming. The nickname "Falz" stuck after I jokingly compared his appearance to the musician. While his real name, Emmanuel Chizurum, might be more formal, Falz serves as a reminder of the unexpected beginnings of my tech passion.

On a seemingly ordinary day, Gerald Olor, the "annoying guy" who offered me a beer at a printing shop, became an unlikely source of close friendship. His infectious passion for football reignited my own love for the sport, fueling friendly banter (especially around his beloved Liverpool). Gerald's open-mindedness and charisma are unmatched, making him a true friend.

My fourth and final year could have been a disaster without the incredible Unwana. While I hustled to improve my programming skills, she selflessly sacrificed sleep to ensure I was exam-ready. Simplified notes, voice explanations, and last-minute revisions – Unwana's support was invaluable, and I'm eternally grateful.

Beyond These Few

Moses Ogbaji, a friend and confidante, shared my ambitions and dreams. Emmanuello offered unwavering support, while Iduku Elizabeth was always there to lend a listening ear. Others, like Lawrence Emeka, Eko, Mings, Stanley, his roommate Excel Nwogu (the current Lawan President), and the wonderful Princess Ekpo, all enriched my university experience through countless interactions. While I can't mention everyone, I'm grateful for the impact they've all had on my life.

“ In learning and Character…”

While my student life may not have been filled with constant thrills, I'm excited to hear about the adventures of my classmates. I hope they'll share their experiences too! University undeniably transformed me from a naive boy to a young man, preparing me for the exciting world beyond.

Education is about experiences, and university is no exception. The phrase "in learning and character" reflects this perfectly. It's not just about textbooks and libraries. It's about the conversations, the shared moments captured in group photos, the late-night hangouts, the cheers of school spirit, and the occasional embarrassing blunder (we've all been there!). Embrace it all! Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and participate – these moments come around only once.

University life shares similarities with life in general. You'll experience a variety of things, some challenging, some exhilarating. So answer that unexpected call, join the pick-up game, and take that group photo with your friends. Life isn't a competition; cherish the camaraderie. Support your classmates, celebrate their successes, and offer help whenever you can. This is what creates a fulfilling university experience. I truly grasped this during the semesters I spent with my friends.

Students learn best together, not in isolation. Embrace this collaborative spirit. Be open, be helpful, and put aside selfishness. But remember, kindness goes a long way. Enjoy these unique moments; they won't last forever.

End of the Road: Main Gate

If you've read this far, thank you for your time! It means a lot. Get involved in your university community and let your presence be known.

I'm glad that I experienced these 5 years that I won't get back and most importantly I'm glad that I experienced it as a Noble Lawsanite.

To the freshmen just starting out, I wish you the best university experience possible.

Aluta Continua,