SAN Monday Ubani Emerges Best PhD Graduate in Law at Babcock University

SAN Monday Ubani Emerges Best PhD Graduate in Law at Babcock University

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, has been named the Best Graduating Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student in Law at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, has emerged as the Best Graduating Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student in Law at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

Ubani received the honour during the university's convocation ceremony held on Tuesday, marking the successful completion of an academic journey that spanned several decades and was shaped by family responsibilities, professional obligations and personal loss.

Speaking after receiving the award, Ubani described the achievement as the fulfilment of a long-standing ambition that began shortly after he completed his master's degree.

He recalled that he had intended to enrol for a PhD programme immediately after earning his master's degree but postponed the plan following advice from friends who encouraged him to pursue the doctorate abroad. The delay, he said, eventually stretched into several years.

According to the senior lawyer, marriage and the responsibility of raising his children further delayed his academic aspirations, as he chose to prioritise their education before returning to pursue his own dream after they had completed their postgraduate studies.

"I wanted to start my PhD immediately after my master's degree, but I was advised to wait and study abroad. Before long, family responsibilities took over. I decided to ensure my children completed their education first before pursuing my own academic ambition," he said.

Ubani noted that returning to the classroom after many years came with significant challenges, particularly balancing his legal practice, family commitments, religious engagements and rigorous academic work.

He identified statistics and research methodology as some of the most demanding aspects of the programme, describing them as essential components in the successful completion of his doctoral thesis.

The legal practitioner also recounted how the deaths of both his father and mother disrupted his studies at different stages of the programme.

He explained that he had to temporarily suspend his studies following the death of his father, while the passing of his mother occurred just as he was preparing to begin his thesis.

"As the only son, those were difficult moments. They could easily have derailed my academic pursuit, but I remained determined to complete the programme," he said.

Ubani credited Professor Owolabi for providing encouragement and motivation whenever he felt overwhelmed, adding that the lecturer's support played a vital role in helping him complete the doctoral programme.

Despite the setbacks, Ubani graduated as the best PhD student in Law, attributing the achievement to perseverance, resilience and divine grace.

Looking ahead, he disclosed plans to pursue a career in academia with the goal of attaining the rank of professor.

He revealed that he has already published seven scholarly articles in reputable journals and intends to expand his academic contributions through further research and publications.

Ubani emphasised the importance of doctoral education, describing it as a pathway to developing critical thinking and generating solutions to societal challenges.

"Knowledge is more valuable than wealth because it enables you to make meaningful contributions to humanity. A PhD teaches you to think critically and develop solutions to societal challenges," he said.

He added that earning the doctorate marks the beginning, rather than the end, of his academic journey, pledging to continue researching, publishing and contributing to legal scholarship.