Daniella Okangba, a graduate of Babcock University, emerged as one of the most celebrated scholars at the 2025 Call to Bar ceremony of the Nigerian Law School, securing five national awards, including third place for Best Overall Student in Nigeria.

The ceremony, held in Abuja, marked a historic milestone for the legal profession with a record-breaking 5,728 new lawyers officially called to the Bar—Nigeria’s largest cohort to date.

Okangba, who finished with First Class Honours both at Babcock University and the Nigerian Law School, was recognised with the Justice Olujide Shomolu Prize for Best Student in Civil Litigation, the Mr. D. D. Dodo Prize for Best Female Student in Civil Litigation, the Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar Prize for Best Female Student in Civil Litigation, the Chief T.O.S. Benson Prize for 3rd Best Overall Student, and the prize for First Class graduates.

“It has been my goal for a long time, and now it’s my reality,” she said. “I worked consistently and with purpose. I believe excellence is possible with the right mindset and God’s help.”

Okangba attributed her success to a structured study routine that included daily preparation, group discussions, and weekly Sabbath rest in line with her Seventh-Day Adventist faith. She also recalled her prior recognition as Best Graduating Student (BGS) at Babcock, stating, “Once a BGS, always a BGS.”

She praised the role Babcock’s Faculty of Law played in preparing her for the rigours of the Law School. “The faculty’s support, especially from Prof. Dorcas Odunaoke and Prof. Olanrewaju, kept us encouraged throughout Law School. Most of the curriculum prepared us directly for what we faced,” she said.

Currently working with the Lagos-based corporate law firm Banwo & Ighodalo, Okangba has mapped out an ambitious career path that includes postgraduate studies at an Ivy League university, attaining the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), joining academia, and potentially entering politics.

“They call me Prof. SAN,” she remarked. “By God’s grace, that will become a reality.”

She encouraged aspiring lawyers to pursue their goals with focus and faith: “Set your mind to it, trust God, and work relentlessly. The word impossible doesn’t exist.”

Reacting to the development, Babcock University President/Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, expressed pride in Okangba’s accomplishments. “Daniella and nine others have brought great honour to our university. This is just the beginning of greater things to come,” he said.