Our "Face Of The Week" for this week is in person of Adediran Fawaz Ayomide, a 400 level law student of Osun State University. Popularly known as 'Shana', he exemplifies the essence of his namesake through ingenious actions and initiatives in respect of academics, organizations activities, politics thereby further consolidating the emblematic significance of his name.
The distinguished Adediran holds various notable positions such as the Founder of "Learning The Law With Shana", erstwhile secretary of the Law Student Association of Nigeria, Public Relations Officer of the esteemed Legal Torch Initiative, as well as memberships in both the ADR Society and Equity and Justice Chamber, among numerous others. In a brief interaction with Legal Kekenke, we uncovered a man of considerable intellectual acumen, as he fittingly attested to.
Interview Session With Adediran Fawaz
LK: Hello! Can we meet you?
FOTW: I am Adediran Fawaz Ayomide popularly known as Shana due to my intellectual prowess. For the purpose of context, "Shana" means "something bright". So, there is an implied meaning as to my personality to be regarded as an exceptionally brilliant person.
Concerning my legal interest, Corporate Law is that area honestly, and I can attest that I have explored various aspects like Mergers and Acquisitions, Capital Markets and Maritime.
LK: Fascinating! May I know the university you're currently studying law and your current level?
FOTW: I am a proud member of the College of Law at Osun State University. An LSSite by extension and a 400 level student.
LK: I perused through your LinkedIn profile, and I must confess, the profile is something befitting of an intelligent person—as your name implies.
However, during these periods of studying law in Osun State University, what has been the experiences in respect of challenges, ideas, perspective changes et al so far?
FOTW: The journey has been a rollercoaster one. My first year was disrupted by Corona virus. Despite this, I left my 100 level with a bag of experience.
In my first year, I was appointed as a Criminal Litigation Officer in the Ministry of Justice of my College. I was also appointed as the first National PRO for Legal Torch Initiative, one of the fastest growing student community in Africa. Since then, I haven't looked back but extending my reach to the international legal sphere.
LK: It's evident you've served in many positions, as well as as the Secretary of Law Student Association of Nigeria, during these years. And equally been part of other prestigious organizations like the Intellectual Property Club, the ADR Society, et al.
How have you been able to cope with managing all these organizations activities, politics and academics at the same? Is there a trick to it? And is there a point in time, when you felt that there's a need to focus only on academics just like many straight A's students would —which I suppose you are.
FOTW: Honestly, this is a very hard one. First and foremost, there is no trick to it. It mostly depends on time management. Time management is essential to each and every one of us, and I am glad to have used that to my utmost advantage.
Each day, I try to read, even if it's for 5mins. I would make sure to open that book. I hope after reading, you would be motivated to adopt daily reading culture. Undoubtedly, I am not perfect and I have my flaws as I can not always keep up every time.
However, I have this "delusional confidence" like Aristotle, Socrates and Plato have often postulated. Either ways, I will still sit in front of anyone and answer confidently.
And concerning that "special time", it was in my 200 level, I dropped somewhat and realized I had to go "harder". Well, the journey still continues.
LK: Hmmm!..the journey continues!
"Learning the Law With Shana"—catchy! Would you mind telling us what this is all about?
FOTW: Learning the Law with Shana is an initiative which I came up as a way of educating the legal community and our fellow citizens. I would pick an area of law and discuss it extensively. My status viewers can attest this.
Lately, I am teaching on LinkedIn as well. To add, I enjoy teaching so much. I can hold as many tutorials as possible, teaching offhand without preparation.
LK: So, it's like an online tutorial?
FOTW: Yes. An online legal tutorial. Earlier this year, I volunteered as a tutor for Legal Mega Tutorials where I taught Constitutional Law and Law of Torts.
LK: What are your future plans for Learning The Law With Shana?—because, technically, such initiative would really benefit law students generally since it's like an extension of the classroom, but in a more relaxing environment.
FOTW: My plan is to collaborate with International educational institutions. But, my schedules these days have not accorded me with the chance to do this. I have been extremely busy lately. Juggling five executive positions at a time which means, a long meeting is guaranteed every single day. After I hand over with amazing trails, I would improve upon "Learning the Law with Shana" definitely.
One more thing, I am actually grateful to the Lord Almighty for this gift and I sincerely want to help others. I understand complex legal principles easily, and I want to help others in this area, as well as its application.
LK: You mentioned on your Linkedin profile about your prowess in legal writing and research. Have your works been published?—if yes, please mention.
FOTW: Truth be told, I haven't taken my research works seriously. I have a number of corporate law dissertations which are 80% percent done waiting to be published.
Most of my academic writings are paid freelance works. But I look forward to publishing my well-researched works very soon. That I am sure of.
LK: There's this current trend in every sector which is Artificial Intelligence development. Since your interest aligns with Intellectual Property, would you mind sharing your perspective on the AI trends, development and usages, and its relevance to Law?
FOTW: Before I answer this, I would like to make reference to a discussion I had with a top AI lawyer, Mr. Akin Ifeanyi Agunbiade, who shared insights on application of AI in Nigeria, Africa and the World.
The truth is AI would continue to lurk around the corner, as long as there is continuous finding. And as things stand, many multinational companies are willing to fund researches. Therefore, the most logical approach is to find a way of leverage and a substantive way of regulation.
An important part of any AI that we must not ignore is, the part of human oversight. I refer to the handling. In my opinion, we have to embrace AI, but we need extant body of rules for regulation and we shouldn't forget the human oversight part.
AI itself is not perfect, remember that!
LK: Nice take Adediran! Lastly, what is your advice to other law students!
FOTW: The golden rule is to know thyself. Don't rush. Don't put yourself under undue pressure. Take time to discover yourself and strengthen your areas of strength and work upon the area of weakness.
And please don't forget the God factor. He always comes through. Trust Him. Have good friends you can rely upon as well. I wish you the very best in this legal sojourn
Yours truly, Shana.
LK: Thank you, Shana. It has been an amazing session with you. I appreciate you honouring the interview and getting an insight into your personality.
FOTW: You are welcome.
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