BIU Honors 20-Year-Old First-Class Law Graduate Dumebi Emma-Dibia, Proceeds To Harvard For Master’s In Law

Son of Lawyer and Mrs. Emma Dibia, Dumebi Emma-Dibia, has graduated with first class honors in law from the prestigious Benson Idahosa University (BIU) in Benin City, Edo State, at the young age of 20.

This was confirmed on the 19th Convocation of the University on the 19th August, 2023, where the family of Lawyer and Mrs Emma Dibia were filled with uncommon joy as their son was among the 52 First Class graduates out of 419 Graduates of the University convocated.

The young star, Dumebi, 20, who is the son of the renowned legal luminary, Emma-Dibia Esq., hailing from Ezi in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, achieved an exceptional Cumulative GPA, classifying him as part of the first set of First-Class Graduates of Delta State origin from different universities since the assumption of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborivwore as the Governor of the State in May 2023.

Master Dumebi was part of the few persons who graduated with a First Class degree out of the 91 graduates of the Faculty of Law of the Benson Idahosa University.

Commenting to cshowcasenews in Benin, Master Dumebi expressed his immense joy regarding his academic achievements, stating that he is very hopeful and has set his sights on future conquests. He went on to express gratitude to God, whom he attributed as his guiding force throughout his academic journey at BIU. He also wholeheartedly appreciated his parents for their efforts in ensuring that he, his sister Nonye Emma-Dibia (who also graduated from the Faculty of Law, BIU on the same day), and Nonso, the youngest sibling, receive the best opportunities in life.

According to the First-Class graduate, while he followed his father’s legal prowess, his sister, Nonye, inherited their father’s business attributes. It is noteworthy that Nonye immediately took on a significant role, supervising the family businesses right after her graduation.

He also expressed his concerns about the unemployment rate in Nigeria, stating that he plans to engage in general law and litigation practice after being called to the Bar. Additionally, he hinted at his intention to pursue his Master’s at Harvard starting in January 2024, given that the current backlog of law school applications may affect his current set of law graduates’ ability to enter law school during the next Law School Academic Session in November 2023. Consequently, he mentioned his readiness to welcome sponsorship from the Delta State government and any other organizations. He emphasized his unwavering determination to pursue postgraduate studies at Harvard.

The young star, Master Dumebi, attended the renowned Premier International School in Abuja, where he completed his nursery, primary, and secondary education. During his five-year tenure at Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Dumebi was known for his charisma and exceptional leadership qualities.

Throughout his time at BIU, he held various leadership positions. In his second year (200 level), he served as the Director of Works of the Law Student Association. He continued to excel and was appointed as the Assistant Secretary General of the same Association in his third year (300 level). As he progressed academically, Dumebi Emma-Dibia assumed the role of Secretary General of the Law Student Association in his penultimate year and, in his final year, was elected as the President of the Law Student Association. These leadership roles culminated in his graduation with First-Class honors.

Commenting on this remarkable achievement, his father, Lawyer Emma-Dibia, expressed immense joy over the academic accomplishments of both his children, Nonye and Dumebi, who graduated as lawyers from the same university on the same day. He emphasized that Dumebi had lived up to his pet name, “STAR BOY,” which he had affectionately called him since childhood.

“Today is a great day for us, and as I have always called him at home, STAR BOY, he is indeed living up to the name. He is a star child who graduated with First Class honors in Law. Law is truly in his blood. During every vacation, he interned in various law firms, including those of Senior Advocates, honing his legal skills. He is unwaveringly committed to pursuing a legal career and is currently applying for admission to Harvard for his Master’s. I can assure you that by January 2023, he will be studying Law at Harvard for his Master’s,” his father proudly stated.

Regarding scholarships for his son and other exceptional students, he expressed his belief in the importance of scholarships from the Delta State Government, the Federal Government, and the private sector to encourage students with exceptional skills to excel further in their respective endeavors. He firmly believed that his son was poised to replicate his academic success at Harvard and in Law School.

Also graduating on the same day was Dumebi’s sister, Ms. Nonye, aged 23, who was the first daughter of Lawyer and Mrs. Emma-Dibia. She had also been admitted to study Law at Benson Idahosa University.

Addressing Dumebi and the other graduates during the 19th Convocation ceremony, the Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Dr. (Mrs.) M. E. Benson Idahosa, highlighted the immense growth and development witnessed by the University’s graduates. She noted their engagement with complex theories, passionate debates, and the spirit of inquiry that characterizes true scholars. She urged them to always remember the values instilled in them during their time at the University.

Rt. Rev. (Dr.) F.E.B Idahosa II, the President of Benson Idahosa University, charged the graduates with empowering themselves to effect change in Nigeria. He emphasized that they represented the future of the country and had the potential to achieve remarkable success.

Furthermore, Prof. Sam Guobadia, the Vice Chancellor, expressed gratitude to the parents and graduates for their dedication and support. He acknowledged the crucial role parents played in nurturing and mentoring the graduates, enriching not only their lives but also contributing to the betterment of society.

Benson Idahosa University, recently ranked as the 3rd best university in Nigeria and 30th in Sub-Saharan Africa, is renowned for its academic excellence with a foundation in godliness. In addition to conferring degrees upon a total of 419 graduates, the University also awarded 175 postgraduate degrees at its 19th convocation.