Olamide Hassan Lasisi

I am Olamide Lasisi, a driven and passionate law graduate from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. I am enthusiastic about international law, finance, corporate governance, and youth development. My academic journey has been characterised by an unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, social impact, and self-development, which I believe makes me exceptional and suitable for this award. Research, Advocacy, Teamwork, and Problem-solving are some of my strengths, which I have refined in academics, moot court competitions, and internships. My undergraduate days involved active engagement in prestigious national and international competitions. As Team Lead and Presenter for the University of Ibadan at the 2024 CFA Society Nigeria Universities Ethics Challenge, I guided my team to the finals, where I was recognised as the Second-Best Presenter, demonstrating a deep understanding of ethical principles and professional conduct. Similarly, following my school’s last participation in the Jessup International Moot Court Competition in 2004, I led the university team to the competition in 2024, winning the Best Memorial Applicant, Second-Best Memorial Respondents, and overall, Second-Best Memorials, while finishing as one of the top 11 best oralists. Most importantly, as the Head of the Litigations and Competitions department of the Moot and Mock Society, I trained my fellow students to participate in various international and national competitions, where we achieved an 87%-win rate. Furthermore, as an outstanding person in advocacy, I have had the privilege of speaking at several high-profile conferences. First, I was the first undergraduate law student to present a paper at the University of Ibadan Faculty of Law’s International Multi-Disciplinary Conference on Cultural Heritage, which had the attendance of seasoned scholars. I contributed original thoughts on the restitution and repatriation of human remains to African countries. Based on my stellar performance at the conference, I was nominated to be a panellist at the International Conference on Clinical Legal Education, which Bennett University and the University of Ibadan organised, where I spoke on leveraging technology to improve legal aid and dispute resolution for women. I also led the University of Ibadan team during the international street law discussion collaboration between the University of Ibadan and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where we explored the legal framework of surrogacy in Nigeria. My leadership experience is diverse and substantive. I was appointed the Chief Justice of the Law Student Society and the Head of the Litigations and Competitions department of the Moot and Mock Society simultaneously, a rare feat for a student to attain. Both positions were demanding and needed someone meticulous. While I served as the Chief Justice of the Law Students’ Society Judicial Council, University of Ibadan, in addition to my constitutional duties of ensuring the adjudication of disputes, I spearheaded the first Judicial Council Conference, which featured the recognition of 17 judges and Justices of Nigeria who are alumni of the University and had the attendance of various dignitaries, including the Chief Judge of Oyo State ably represented. I also established a maiden judgment writing competition with the participation of universities in the southwest region of Nigeria. I coordinated judicial trainings for various faculties and halls of residence within the University of Ibadan. Prior to this, I served as a Judge and Bailiff in the same council, adjudicating constitutional and disciplinary matters within the faculty. In terms of my social impact, I founded the Lux Armiger Book Club, which fosters intellectual engagement among over 40 students while promoting the reading culture in the University. Similarly, during the 2023/2024 academic session, the University of Ibadan's school fees hike threatened the schooling of many students. I leveraged my connections at the Lagos Business School MAP20 class to raise funds of one (1) million naira to pay the school fees of fifteen (15) students across five (5) faculties in the University. Beyond school, I have interned with leading law firms and reputable organisations in Nigeria to gain practical knowledge alongside the theories taught in the classroom, including Banwo & Ighodalo, Aluko & Oyebode, and Afe Babalola & Co., as well as institutions like the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and Cooperative Mortgage Bank. These experiences have exposed me to the practical intricacies of financial regulation, corporate governance, capital markets, litigation, and commercial transactions. More so, due to my skills in teamwork and report writing, I was invited to serve as a rapporteur at the NBA Lagos Branch Law Week, where I was the only undergraduate, and subsequently as rapporteur at the NBA Lagos branch Young Lawyers Forum Summit and the NBA In-house and Government Counsel Forum’s Mentorship, Roundtable and Networking event. Finally, I also enjoy reading, swimming, playing the piano, and playing chess, all of which contribute to my creativity, strategy, and overall wellness.