I have long nurtured a strong desire to study Law, driven by my belief that legal education is essential for understanding the laws of the land and their practical application in everyday life.
To me, studying Law will broaden my knowledge, sharpen my reasoning skills, and equip me to act responsibly in my daily activities.
It will also empower me to uphold justice, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to society with a deep respect for the rule of law.
Moreover, as someone actively engaged in writing, I regard the acquisition of a legal education as non-negotiable.
It will not only equip me with the necessary knowledge but also guide me in effectively discharging my new professional responsibilities after leaving public service.
A solid grounding in law will help me understand legal boundaries, uphold ethical standards, and operate confidently, responsibly, and within the confines of the law.
Consequently, when I ventured into sports online sports journalism after my service, I began to seriously reflect on how to actualize my long-standing dream of studying Law.
With more time now at my disposal, I saw this phase of my life as the most appropriate moment to pursue that ambition and formally equip myself with the legal knowledge required to excel in my new career path.
Initially, my thoughts were focused on understanding the entry requirements for pursuing a legal education and identifying the most appropriate and realistic ways to meet them.
I carefully weighed my options and reflected deeply on the possible pathways available to me. At that point, several important questions occupied my mind, as I sought to make the best decision for my future.
I considered which route would be most suitable and beneficial for me in the long run. Should I go through JAMB, with its highly competitive process and uncertainties, or would the IJMB programme present a more viable and strategic alternative?
These considerations required thoughtful evaluation, as the choice I made would significantly influence my academic journey and prospects in the study of Law.
While I was exploring the most suitable and convenient options available to me, I came across an individual named Aminu Shitu of the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano who was then an IJMB student of Northwest University, Kano.
After sharing with him my desire to study Law, along with the situation and the options I was considering, he reassured me that people of my age or category do not necessarily have to go through either of the two routes I had been contemplating in order to gain admission into a university.
He explained to me that universities across the country set aside a limited number of seats each year specifically for older individuals and highly placed professionals who wish to pursue the study of Law.
According to him, the process was straightforward: all I needed to do was submit a few key documents for scrutiny and consideration by the faculty.
These included my National ID card, my highest academic qualification, my indigene form, and a letter of retirement.
He assured me that, once these documents were properly filed, I would be eligible for evaluation and potential admission under this special provision.
Without wasting any time, I followed his advice and asked for his assistance in submitting the documents, knowing that he was well-acquainted with the heads and administrators of the faculty.
He kindly helped me with the submission and reassured me that I could expect an invitation for an interview at any time from that moment.
Several months after these developments, I happened to meet the Head of the Sports Directorate at Northwest University, Kano, just a few days following the election of the Kano State Higher Institution Games (KASHIGA) executives.
After exchanging pleasantries, I did not waste any time in sharing with him my plan to study Law at the university. I also handed him my documents, seeking his guidance and assistance in navigating the admission process.
A few weeks later, I came across the news that the Emir of Kano, Sir Muhammadu Sanusi II, had been admitted to study Law at the Faculty of Law of Northwest University.
This development immediately reinforced my confidence in the special provision that allows highly placed individuals and older members of society like me to gain admission.
Seeing someone of such prominence successfully navigating this pathway confirmed to me that the opportunity was genuine and attainable, and it strengthened my resolve and hope to wait for my own admission under the same provision.
Since it was reported that Emir Sanusi had been offered direct entry, a pathway I was also pursuing, I began to envision the possibility of sharing the same classroom with the highly educated and esteemed royal father when the new academic session begins if admitted.
Given that the university is currently in its second semester, I became even more hopeful that this opportunity could soon become a reality, allowing me to learn alongside someone whose reputation and knowledge I deeply admire.
Unfortunately, my hopes were soon dashed when I learned that the university had decided to allow the Emir to continue attending classes and receiving lectures despite the current session already being well underway.
This meant that, even though the semester was already past its midpoint, he would be integrated directly into the ongoing academic schedule, leaving me unable to join him in the same class as I had eagerly anticipated.
The news was deeply disappointing, as it disrupted my plans and delayed what I had envisioned as a unique opportunity to learn alongside such a distinguished and highly respected figure.
It is important to note that Emir Sanusi is not only a genius but also a remarkably gifted individual who has attained and excelled in every exalted position he has occupied throughout his distinguished career.
I sincerely hope that the university will find a way to compensate me for this significant loss, as the missed opportunity to study alongside such a distinguished figure is truly disheartening and represents a major missed opportunity in my academic journey.
Honestly, this is disheartening, and I, like many others in my position, need to be consoled.
