Successful students are entitled to a range of long-lasting benefits that include professional development, tuition support, exposure, and mentorship. “The whole idea behind SCAD is about mentoring,grooming young law graduates and Law students who are expected to be better lawyers of class in the society,” said Babatunde Irukera, a partner at the law firm, adding that ten finalists emerged for the SCAD 2016 top honours from a pool of 120 students in universities across the country. Adaeze Anyanegbu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Emeka Ezekwesiri of University of Ibadan; Felix Emmanuel of University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Elizabeth Whesu of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife; and Daniel Jayeoba of University of Lagos all made oral presentations before a panel of senior lawyers. The other finalists include Similola Ayoola and Tobi Babalola of Lagos State Universit; Joseph Omeh of University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Ayodele Jesufemi of Obafemi Awolowo, Ile Ife; and Jonathan Ezeumeh of University of Lagos also made their presentations. Mr. Omeh said he was pleased to have made the final shortlist, adding that he sees a bright future after his stint at SCAD. “All I have learnt from SCAD is quite huge and it will make me a better lawyer in future,” Mr. Omeh told Thenigerialawyer. Ms. Whesu said her participation would spur her to greater heights in her career. “Being a part of SCAD 2016 has been tough and interesting for me,” said Ms. Whesu, a 500 level Law student. I have learnt new things concerning the law profession that would guide me to a better lawyering career with my passion for advocacy being used to better society I live in.” Dapo Akinosun,a Senior Partner at SimmonsCooper & Partners, described the gathering of the young lawyers as a reflection of years of painstaking research developed to ensure that the future of the legal profession is placed on the right path with the mentoring of such young people. “It is our belief that we can train lawyers at such an early stage so that they can make a great difference in the profession and give back to the society through advocacy,” he said. Mr. Akinosun said at the end of the advocacy and mentoring program, the winner of the programme would go home with a cash prize and a job with SimmonsCooper & Partners.]]>