Ivy-Mary Adanna Eweputanna has garnered widespread accolades after graduating with another first class from the Nigerian Law School.
The 23-year-old from Imo State earlier graduated from the Department of Law at the University of Nigeria with an impressive CGPA of 4.62.
Why She Chose Law Despite Medical Background
Speaking about her journey in an interview with Legit.ng, Ivy-Mary explained why she chose law, even though she comes from a medically inclined family.
She said:
“Coming from a medically inclined family, one thing was certain when I began considering career paths—I knew I did not want to be a doctor. My reluctance stemmed not only from a lack of passion for medicine but also from a desire to carve out a different identity from the norm I had grown up around. Law, for me, was like a spark that arrived unexpectedly yet illuminated everything once it appeared.
“My interest in the field was strongly influenced by my aunt, whose remarkable success distinguished her from her peers. In 2015, the year I had to decide between science and arts, she graduated from law school with a first class.”
She also highlighted the role her parents played in her decision.
Her words:
“My father was supportive from the start, encouraging me to pursue any career as long as I gave it my best. My mother, however, initially hoped I would follow in her footsteps as a doctor. It took time, but my unwavering commitment to law eventually convinced her. She signed the form permitting me to enter the arts stream, though with one condition—that I graduate from law school with a first class.”
Ivy-Mary added that she wrote the UTME once and secured admission with a score of 277.
Experience at UNN and Academic Growth
Reflecting on her time at the University of Nigeria, she described it as both demanding and fulfilling.
She said:
“My experience at UNN has been both challenging and rewarding. From the outset, I was determined to excel academically, but my first-year results were a sobering reminder that success requires more than ambition.
“Falling short of my first-class goal with a GPA of 4.33 pushed me to reassess my approach. I became more intentional about my studies, engaged actively in lectures, and refined my discipline.
“That effort paid off when I achieved a perfect 5.0 GPA in my second-year second semester—a rare feat at UNN. Since then, I have consistently maintained a first-class CGPA.”
Journey Through Law School
After graduating in March 2024, she gained admission into the Nigerian Law School in April 2025 and was posted to the Lagos campus.
She told Legit.ng:
“I graduated from the University of Nigeria in March 2024, and by April 2025 I had gained admission into the Nigerian Law School. I was posted to the Lagos Campus, which is widely regarded as one of the most vibrant and competitive campuses.
“During the intervening period between graduation and law school, I interned at a number of tier-one law firms where I gained invaluable practical exposure, and I also participated in national competitions—emerging victorious in a couple of them.
“That season of growth not only sharpened my skills but also prepared me mentally and academically for the rigors of law school. The transition from UNN to Lagos Law School therefore felt like a natural progression into the next phase of my journey.”
She also explained her preparation strategy:
“Even before resuming at the Nigerian Law School, I familiarized myself with the syllabus—not exhaustively, but enough to understand the scope. I asked countless questions, read widely, and studied the experiences of past students, both those who excelled and those who fell short, to gain a full picture of what success required.
“Once I resumed, I began reading in depth immediately, even before lectures commenced. I also started practicing multiple-choice questions (MCQs) very early, which proved invaluable. As a sub-group leader, I engaged actively with pre-class tasks and discussions, and I made a conscious effort to surround myself with peers who shared similar goals. I participated in several reading groups, each with a distinct purpose—some focused on MCQs, others on revising the Rules of Professional Conduct daily, and others on tackling particularly challenging topics.”
Future Plans and Global Ambitions
Looking ahead, Ivy-Mary said she hopes to make meaningful contributions to the legal field.
Her words:
“As a double first-class law graduate, I see the future as a platform to make meaningful contributions to the legal profession and society at large. My academic achievements are not an end in themselves but a foundation upon which I intend to build a career defined by excellence, integrity, and impact. I am currently working at a tier-one law firm, where I am committed to honing my skills and laying the groundwork for a distinguished career.”
On international opportunities, she added:
“Yes, I am open to international opportunities because the legal profession is increasingly global. Exposure to different legal systems can broaden perspective and enhance professional competence. However, my priority remains contributing meaningfully wherever I practice, including Nigeria.”
