Abati Favour, Editor, LASU Conscience
Bashua Abdulbaqee Oyinkansola is a 400-level Law student at Lagos State University and an influential name on campus today. From governance to competitions, Abdulbaqee has carved a space for himself as a student who raises the bar.
In a candid conversation with LASU Conscience, he spoke about his journey, his achievements, and what it truly means to be “Bashua Abdulbaqee.”
What does it mean to be Bashua Abdulbaqee?
“To be me is to refuse the status quo. I’m someone who sets new standards and clears paths for others. I’m a multi-dimensional campus figure; strong academically, competitive on every stage, and socially visible in a way that breaks records. To be Bashua Abdulbaqee is to combine academic excellence, leadership, and influential visibility into one identity.”
Tell us about your background
“Abdulbaqee is a penultimate-year Law student at LASU. He hails from Lagos State and comes from the respected Bashua family, known for its strong legal heritage, with SANs, judges, scholars, and deep involvement in traditional administration.”
Can you mention some of your achievements?
“My biggest achievement so far is becoming the first Nigerian to win the UNB Speech & Essay Competition, finishing as First Runner-Up. The same dedication got me recognised as Best Counsel in competitions and helped me coach the Best Moot Team.
I became Senior Counsel for the LASUSU High Court; 39th Social Director, LASULAWS; Mr LASU 2024; Coach of the Best Moot Team (Gani Fawehinmi); Youth Ambassador, Rotary Club of Lagos; Member of several legal clubs and chambers; LASULAWS Best Social Director Award recipient; achieving over 2.1M social media reach during Ojude LASU; chairing multiple major legal and social conferences; internships with OPD Lagos and Olaseinde Karim & Co., and many more.”
What is your proudest moment so far in LASU?
“My proudest moment so far is achieving two major things: being recognised as the Best Social Director since LASULAWS was founded and becoming the first Law student to ever win Mr LASU.”
What was your most challenging moment as Social Director?
He recalls the tension of planning the Annual Dinner and Awards Night. “It was a dual crisis period. I wanted to set a record, but the challenges were unexpected. I even fell really ill during my administration because I wasn’t used to that level of pressure.”
What do you do when you’re not working or competing?
“I love reading, swimming, enjoying nature, trying new cuisines, dressing up, travelling, skincare, philanthropy, writing poems, going for concerts, and cooking.
My new hobby? Raving with my friends.”
How do you balance everything you do?
“I’m versatile, but I also know what works for me. I set priorities, and I know when to retreat and recharge.”
What is your advice to students who want to excel academically and beyond?
He shares a line from one of his favourite authors, Mark Manson:“Don’t hope for a life without problems… hope for a life full of good problems.” “Embrace the challenge. Build structure. Protect your legacy. And never forget why you’re in school — for the grades. I don’t compromise on that.
Don’t aim to be someone else; let them be mentors. Build your own brand so you, too, can be someone others look up to.”
From academic achievements to leadership roles, social awards, and legal competitions, Abdulbaqee’s résumé is extensive. He has set the pace, running through various involvements in other activities, and still stands strong academically. Abdulbaqee is a reminder that you can achieve numerous successes with determined efforts.
Idowu Araoluwa, Editor, LASU Conscience
Aramide Okunboh, Correspondent, LASU Conscience
