I grew up in Ibadan, Oyo State, and spent most of my life there, more than anywhere else. My upbringing was largely fine, though, like every journey to great heights, it came with its natural share of challenges and the ups and downs of life.
My academic path eventually led me to the University of Ibadan, where I gained admission in 1977 to study veterinary medicine. The UI environment was very good for students, and I truly enjoyed every bit of the knowledge I gained in the ancient city.
One experience from that period that has stayed with me was the political crisis that rocked Ibadan in the early 1980s. There was violence and palpable tension across the town. Somehow, I survived that difficult period, and that is why I can tell the story today.
Why did you study other courses after veterinary medicine?
I studied four courses altogether. I have degrees in veterinary medicine, pharmacy and law, and I also became a chartered accountant. For me, it was about gaining knowledge and doing more for myself.
I began with veterinary medicine, graduating from the University of Ibadan in 1983. The following year, in 1984, I travelled to Sokoto State for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme.
After leaving the North, I was determined to go into private practice, and that was my main focus at the time. However, I also felt there was enough room for me to combine practice with further studies. That mindset pushed me to keep expanding my knowledge.
In 1986, I went back for my master’s degree in veterinary medicine, which was then a one-year academic programme. From there, the journey simply grew. Whether in education or any other aspect of life, I have always believed in upgrading myself, so I kept pursuing more courses.
What really inspired you to venture into studying them?
I would say it comes from self-assurance. The ability is there, all along. Although it took a long time before it came to fruition. Law was my interest, so I pursued it. Pharmacists seem to have this control over almost everything, and that was what motivated me to pursue a career in pharmacy. But all these were by the grace of God.
Which academic programme did you pursue after that?
I studied pharmacy at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, in Ogun State. It was quite interesting. I hold the record as the only person in Nigeria who is both a pharmacist and a vet doctor. No other person has been allowed to do it. The reason is that when I wanted to do it, I didn’t receive any acknowledgement from the school when I applied. I went to OOU and told them that I had applied for the course. They asked me to reapply, which I did. It was at that time that the school realised that I was a vet doctor. So, the woman in charge of my admission told me that it was not possible for me to do it. I asked for the reason. My admission was not processed, so I asked questions. Along the line, I met a lecturer who is late now. He invited me and asked what the matter was. I told him how I had applied, and the school said it was not possible because I had already studied vet medicine. Two months later, when the school resumed another academic session, he called me. I studied pharmacy for four years.
Why did you later venture into law after studying two science-related courses?
I studied law at the University of London for two years. It was a part-time programme. I was doing pharmacy and law, but I abandoned law to focus on pharmacy. Due to the rigorous studies required for the two programmes, I had to shelve one for the other. It was after I finished pharmacy and was awaiting results that I concentrated fully on law. That qualifies me as a lawyer because I have an LLB. The programme was meant for two years, but your two years could extend to three or four years. But I did it, wrote the exams and passed.
Were you called to the Bar in England or Nigeria?
The call to the Bar was the problem. I would have loved London because it was very easy. However, the cost of living in London was too high. It was high, especially for an external degree holder. If I added other expenses, it was too much. It was just three years ago that I went to the Law School in Sierra Leone.
What made you study accounting?
Accounting is a nice course. I studied it for two years as well. There are three steps: the preliminary step, the second step, and the third step. It was so easy for me because one can do accounting at one’s leisure, so you are not under any compulsion. Once you have done your registration, then I think they come twice in a year, like May and November. I got enrolled, took all the classes, passed the exams and became chartered.
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