Brilliant Nigerian Man Graduates with Double First-Class in Law, Wins 18 Awards as Best Graduating Student

A brilliant Nigerian scholar, Benedict Ater, has achieved an extraordinary academic milestone — graduating with a double first-class degree in Law and receiving 18 awards as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the Nigerian Law School. His story is one of discipline, perseverance, and faith, marked by consistent excellence from his undergraduate studies to the peak of legal education in Nigeria. 

Benedict began his academic journey in 2016 at Benue State University (BSU), where he studied for his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree. In 2021, he graduated with First-Class Honours, becoming the first in over 14 years — and only the second ever in the faculty’s 33-year history — to achieve such distinction. His CGPA was the highest ever recorded in the Faculty of Law, earning him the title of Best Graduating Student. 

Reflecting on his journey, Benedict shared that his path was not without challenges or self-doubt. 

During his final year, while managing demanding courses, Benedict also served as President of the Law Students’ Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), BSU Chapter. 

Although many advised him to step down to protect his grades, he chose to lead and excel simultaneously. 

“I didn’t listen. I served and studied at the same time. I wanted to prove that leadership and excellence can coexist,” he wrote. 

He narrowly missed a perfect 5.0 GPA in his 400-level second semester, scoring 69 in Law of Evidence, but he used that as motivation to achieve perfection in his final semester. 

Through his experience, he learned three key lessons: 

1. The Value of Hard Work: Balancing leadership and academics required tremendous effort. 

2. The Power of Self-Belief: Confidence must drive consistent action. 

3. The Wisdom to Listen Selectively: Advice is useful, but it should never define your limits. 

After his undergraduate success, Benedict proceeded to the Nigerian Law School in 2024, where he once again graduated with First-Class Honours, emerging as the Overall Best Graduating Student among over 4,000 students nationwide. 

He earned 18 prestigious awards, including: 

Overall Best Student of the Year 

Best Male Student 

Best Student in Property Law

Practice Best Student in Professional Ethics and Skills 

Council of Legal Education Star Prize

Most Promising Student of the Year 

“The journey was truly rugged. But smooth seas never make good sailors. I laboured in long, quiet hours of study under the burden of doubt. Excellence is not talent on display — it is character under pressure,” Benedict shared. 

He emphasized that while recognition is fulfilling, what truly matters are the values behind success — discipline, hard work, dedication, and faith. 

“Law school was perhaps my most trying journey so far. I remain thankful to God, my family, friends, and mentors who never stopped believing in me. The best days are yet to come.”