Lawyer and public interest advocate, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has recounted how an unexpected encounter with Senator Iyiola Omisore changed the course of his life and helped him secure admission to study Law at the University of Abuja.
Olajengbesi shared the story in a birthday tribute to Omisore, describing the former Osun State deputy governor and senator as a man whose intervention ultimately made his journey to becoming a lawyer possible.
According to Olajengbesi, his journey had been filled with setbacks. After completing his NCE at the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, he developed an interest in studying Law and repeatedly attempted to gain admission to the University of Abuja.
He eventually scored 270 in JAMB but could not afford the university’s ₦2,700 Post-UTME form. With help from friends and supporters, he eventually sat for the examination but failed to make the merit, supplementary and final admission lists.
While preparing to return to Akure, Olajengbesi said he received a call from the Office of the then Senate President, Senator David Mark, inviting him to present an idea for a youth-focused national programme.
Although he was eventually told that meeting the Senate President was not possible, an official advised him to approach the senator representing his area.
When the official learnt that Olajengbesi was from Oriade in Osun State, he called Senator Omisore and directed him to meet the young man.
At Omisore’s office, however, Olajengbesi did not present the programme he had originally planned.
“I want admission into the University of Abuja to study Law,” he told Omisore.
Olajengbesi said Omisore immediately contacted the university’s Vice-Chancellor and requested that he be admitted to study Law.
Despite concerns that the admission process had already closed and the academic session had progressed, Omisore reportedly insisted that the young man be allowed to resume.
Olajengbesi said his details were subsequently submitted, and a new admission list containing seven names was released. His name was on it.
He was assigned registration number 307 and joined the Faculty of Law midway through the semester.
Reflecting on the experience, Olajengbesi acknowledged the many people who supported him but said Omisore’s intervention was decisive.
“While many people helped me throughout the process, Distinguished Senator Iyiola Omisore made my journey to becoming a lawyer possible,” he said.