“We need a greater emphasis on legal philosophy.” Izuchukwu Oguike.

 My Izuchukwu Oguike, a British born Nigerian who hails from Umuduruoriaku Umuezikoha Uba Umuaka Njaba LGA Imo State Nigeria last week graduated with first class from the University of Birmingham where he read law. The son of Dr Uche Oguike, the chieftaincy title holder of Duruaku III of Umuaka and Lolo Oby Oguike spoke with the Umuaka Times correspondents in the UK in his first interview as a lawyer on what the late Nelson Mandela would describe as A Long Walk to Freedom.

Excerpts:

Good afternoon sir. May we meet you?

My name is Mr Izuchukwu Oguike. I am a native of Umuduruori Umuezikoha Uba Umuaka Njaba LGA Imo State Nigeria.

That’s great. Congratulations on your successful graduation. Tell us a little about your academic journey which saw you becoming a lawyer.

Thank you very much. My academic journey has been both challenging and rewarding, shaped by a strong interest in law and a clear sense of purpose.

How? Please give more details.

From early on, I was drawn to subjects like history, politics, and philosophy, which naturally led me to consider a career in law, particularly as a pathway into areas such as politics and public life.

When I began my university journey, the most difficult phase was my first year, where I had to adjust to a completely new environment, meet new people, and become familiar with the university system. That period required me to build a solid foundation and stability for the years ahead.

Throughout that initial period, I was supported closely by my parents and family, whose encouragement helped me stay grounded and focused as I found my footing.

Oh! that’s great. What followed thereafter?

As time went on, things became much easier, and by my final year, I found the experience far more comfortable and enjoyable. I thank God that, as time went on, things became much easier, leading to my final year being the most comfortable and enjoyable as a result.

You made a first class! Tell us what it takes to make a first class and what kept you going.

A key factor in achieving a first-class degree was genuinely enjoying the process of studying law. During demanding periods, especially exam season, when multiple high-word-count assignments were due and long hours in the library became routine, it was that genuine interest and internal drive that kept me going.

Let me also tell you that I never considered quitting because I chose this path for myself and was fortunate to study a subject I truly enjoy, surrounded by people who made the experience engaging and fulfilling.

What about parental influence?

A big part of that drive comes from my upbringing. My parents are both university-educated professionals who now run their own businesses in the UK, and they instilled in me the values of hard work, discipline, and maintaining a strong academic foundation. In my family, academic excellence is taken seriously, so I naturally set high expectations for myself, which pushed me to aim for and achieve a first-class degree.

Where does your primary interest lie in law?

Looking ahead, my primary interest lies in commercial law, and I hope to build a career in that field. My main legal interest is to acquire higher legal qualifications. However, I find commercial law interesting and may go down that route in the future.

How stressful were the school days and what was the most stressful part of the academic trip you underwent?

The most stressful part of my academic journey was settling into university during my first year. It involved adjusting to a new environment, meeting new people, and becoming familiar with how the university system works. That period required me to focus on building stability that would carry me through my second and third years.

This one is simple; tell us what it takes to make a first class in a course as demanding as law?

I believe the first step to genuinely doing well in anything is enjoying the process of pursuing it. Law is a demanding course, and during exam season, you are faced with multiple high-word-count assignments and long periods of intense study, so you need a strong internal drive to stay consistent.

Please explain.

My parents are both university-educated professionals who now run their own businesses in the UK, and they instilled in me the values of hard work, discipline, and maintaining a strong academic foundation. In my family, academic excellence is taken seriously, so I naturally set high expectations for myself, which pushed me to aim for and achieve a first-class degree.

Tell us a little about law, yourself and the family you came from. Any regrets?

No, not at all. I have been fortunate to study a subject I am genuinely interested in, alongside people who make the experience enjoyable and rewarding. More importantly, my parents have worked extremely hard and made significant sacrifices to give me the opportunities I have today, so quitting was never something I could entertain. This is a path I chose for myself, and even during the most demanding periods, I always had the motivation to keep pushing forward.

I wasn’t raised by people who quit, or around people who quit, so why should I be the first?

Above all these, what attracted you to read law?

I have always had an interest in the arts, particularly subjects like history, politics, and philosophy. During secondary school, I began to see law as a natural extension of those interests, and I also recognized it as a strong pathway into a potential future career in public life.

Who are your legal idols?

I am fortunate to have several legal role models here in the UK and in the entire legal world.

Within my family, my late Uncle Henry Oguike practiced law in both Nigeria and South Africa and remains a strong source of inspiration. My cousin, Kingsley Duru, has also played a key role in guiding me at the early stages of my journey; despite being early in his career, he is highly accomplished and hardworking.

In addition, his parents, Chief Marcellinus Duru (SAN) and Ogechi Eucharia Duru, who practice law in both the UK and Nigeria, have provided direct guidance and support.

I am aware of very successful lawyers and other professionals from Umuaka. They all inspired me to do well.

Would you like to go into corporate law practice or argue cases in court?

My main legal interest is to acquire higher legal qualifications. However, I find commercial law interesting and may go down that route in the future.

If you are given an opportunity to make an advocacy on how law is taught in the UK, which area would you like to address and why?

I would advocate for a greater emphasis on legal philosophy. Understanding the theoretical foundations of law helps deepen critical thinking and provides a stronger appreciation of how legal systems operate beyond just rules and cases.

There must be some people who played instrumental roles in shaping you as a lawyer, please acknowledge them.

I would first like to thank my parents, who have supported me from before the very beginning of this journey. Their consistency and work ethic have set a strong example for me, especially during the more challenging early stages of university.

I am also grateful to my wider family for their constant encouragement, as well as my friends and course mates over the past three years, who have helped keep me grounded, focused, and motivated.

Congratulations once again. We at Umuaka Times wish you an eventful career.

Thank you very much.