A 24-year-old academic prodigy of Ekiti descent, Damilola Arowolaju, has bagged a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in Law from The George Washington University Law School, Washington DC, United States of America.
The Juris Doctor degree is a professional doctorate in the US.
Damilola, son of a former Special Adviser to Governor Segun Oni on Due Process, Dr Bayo Arowolaju, graduated from the prestigious institution and was garlanded with the honour at the university’s virtual graduation ceremonies held on Thursday, May 21.
The prolific young lawyer who was also the President of the Student Bar Association hails from Omuo-Ekiti in Ekiti East Local Government area of Ekiti State.
The elated father, Dr Bayo Arowolaju, told journalists that his son was decorated with the high academic honour at the age he secured admission to the University of Lagos, where he studied Sociology.
He said, “My baby, Dr. Damilola Arowolaju, with the grace of God just graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in Law from The George Washington University School of Law, Washington DC, USA.
” He gave an address to the fellow graduands as the President of the GW Bar Association. Graciously, he did this at 24 years of age when I was just entering the University in Nigeria for my first degree. May our children be higher and be more successful than us all. Amen.
“I am overwhelmed, speechless and flabbergasted by this outstanding feat. I am excited and more motivated to do more to uplift humanity.”
Arowolaju therefore appealed to the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, to rejig and expand the scope of the State’s scholarship board so as to benefit children of the poor who are outstanding in their academics.
In a video clip containing his speech to the graduands, Damilola said he would continue to promote justice for all manners of men, irrespective of creed, race and class.
“Justice means making huge sacrifices that would guarantee all constitutional freedoms for all and sundry.
“When I say justice, I mean for both the innocent and guilty—the one that brings equality, stability and raise the hope for a better society. That is what we should all pursue using morality and the instrumentality of Law.
“My graduating today was a result of the sacrifices made by my parents to ensure that I excel in my academic pursuit, he said.