It was a day of uncommon joy for Barrister and Mrs Emma Dibia on Saturday August 19, 2023 when their beloved Son, Dumebi Henry Emma-Dibia was awarded with first class Bachelor degree in Law from the Prestigious Benson Idahosa University, Benin-City, Edo State.
Dumebi Emma-Dibia is among the 52 First Class graduates out of 419 Graduates of the University convocated at its 19th Convocation ceremony.
Emma-Dibia, 20, came on top with exceptional CGPA, making him among the first set of First Class Graduates of Delta State origin in different Universities since the inception of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborivwore as the Governor of the State in May 2023.
The highly brilliant Son of a renowned legal luminary is from Ezi in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State.
Out of a total number of 91 Graduates of 2022/2023 and 2021/2022 academic session in Benson Idahosa University, Dumebi Emma-Dibia is among the few that graduated with First Class in Bachelor of Laws Degree of the Faculty of Law.
In a chat with cshowcasenews.com in Benin, the Star Boy, Dumebi Emma-Dibia expressed joy and satisfactions over his academic conquest and said he will continue to be hopeful, and focus towards achieving more success in life.
He appreciated God Almighty for His leadership throughout the period of his academic pursuit in BIU and thanked profusely his parents, Barrister and Mrs Emma Dibia for their relentless efforts in ensuring that him and his siblings Nonye who also graduated from the same Faculty of Law same day and Nonso the last born, gets the best in life.
The First Class Law graduate said while he followed his Father’s legal prowess, his sister, Nonye followed his Father’s business attributes, noting that Nonye fully stepped-in, supervising the family businesses immediately after graduation.
Dumebi Emma-Dibia who expressed concern over the unemployment rate in Nigeria said he hope to engage in general law and litigation practice after graduation from Law School, even as he spoke of his intentions of pursuing his Masters in Harvard come January 2024 as the current backlog of law school applications may affect his current set of law graduands getting into law school by next Law School Academic Session in November 2022.
He said he will gladly welcome and appreciate scholarships from the Delta State Government most especially or any other organizations, maintaining that he has made up his mind to be relentless in his resolve in pursuing his Post graduate studies in Harvard.
Master Emma-Dibia who attended the famous Premier International School in Abuja where he did his nursery, primary and secondary school is known for his charisma and leadership qualities. This unique tract in him earned him leadership positions even in his five years stay in Benson Idahosa University.
He was elected Director of Works of the Law Student Association of Benson Idahosa University when he was in 200 levels and Assistant Secretary General of the Same Association in his 300 level.
While in his 400 level, Dumebi Emma-Dibia became the Secretary General of the Law Student Association and in his finals was elected as the President of the Law Student Association until he graduated with First Class.
Also in a chat with cshowcasenew.com, the Father, Barrister Emma Dibia was full of joy over the academic accomplishments of their children Nonye and Dumebi, both graduating at the same time from the same university as lawyers. He said that his Son, Dumebi Emma-Dibia has been living up to his pet Name, STAR BOY, the name he calls him at home from his childhood.
“Today is a great day for us and as I have always called him at home, STAR BOY, he is actually living up to the name. He is indeed a star child and he graduated making first class in Law. He is actually a legal person, he has Law in him. Every vacation, he undertakes internship in most Law firms, not even my own Chamber, but Chambers of Senior Advocates.
“He practiced with them as an intern during vacations. He cannot even do any other thing outside law. That is one unique thing with him and he is very focused. He is currently applying for his Masters in Harvard and I can assure you in January 2023 he will be admitted to read Law in Harvard for his Masters.
On scholarship for his son and other children with similar excellence, Bar. Emma Dibia said, “scholarships from the Delta State Government, the Federal Government and the private sectors to encourage students with exceptional skills is highly encouraged, so they can do more in their various endeavors. My Son is positioned by the grace of God to repeat the same fate in Harvard and he will repeat it in Law School.”
Also graduated the same day with Dumebi Emma-Dibia is his Sister Nonye, the first Daughter of Barrister Emma Dibia, Miss Nonye Emma-Dibia, 23 was also admitted to the Degree of Bachelor of Laws of Benson Idahosa University.
Benson Idahosa University, recently ranked 3rd best University in Nigeria and number 30 in Sub-Saharan Africa is known for its academic Excellence with Godliness. The University, apart from graduating a total of of 419 with baccalaureate degrees, also graduated, a total number of 175 Post graduate degrees at its 19th convocation
Addressing Master Dumebi Emma-Dibia with other graduands at the 19th convention ceremony, the Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Dr. (Mrs) M. E. Benson Idahosa, said the University has witnessed the growth and development of the graduands, seen them delved into complex theories, engaged in passionate debate while embracing the spirit of inquiry that defines a true scholar.
“But beyond your academic accomplishments, we have also been inspired by your commitment to social responsibility, community engagement and the pursuit of knowledge for betterment of the society,” she said.
She urged them to remember the value that has been installed in them during their time in the University, saying that they should at all times seek truth, not only in their chosen field, but also in the wider world.
Also in his address at the event, the President, Benson Idahosa University, Rt. Rev.( Dr.) F.E.B Idahosa II, charged the graduands to use the knowledge they are equipped with in the University to impact positively the society, stressing that each of them has the power to make a difference.
“You have been empowered to change Nigeria. You are the Future of this great Country, and I have no doubt that you will make us proud.
“As you proceed from this citadel of excellence into the next phase of your life, I want you to know that you are indeed the New Horizon, the Future of this great Country, and you have the potential to achieve great things,” Dr. Idahosa charged them, even as he congratulated and prayed for more life success for them.
In his own address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sam Guobadia, appreciated parents for their dogged efforts in ensuring that the graduands obtained such a significant milestone in their lives.
“From late-night study sessions to cheering you on at various events, they have been there every step of the way. Their love, guidance and encouragement have played an instrumental role in shaping the individual you have become.
“As the Vice Chancellor of this esteemed institution, I want to express my deep appreciation to the parents who have nurtured, mentored, and believed in our graduates. Your commitment to their education has not only enriched their lives, but has also contributed to the betterment of the society as a whole,” the VC eulogized.
While urging the graduands to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, Prof. Guobadia maintained that the skills and experience they have gained during their time at the Institution will always serve as their compass, which he assured will always guide them through the complexities of life.
