Meet Osarieme, a Nigerian Woman Who Broke a 121-year-old Record at a UK University, Became the First Black Woman to Graduate with a First-Class Degree

Osarieme Anita Omonuwa, a young Nigerian woman, made history at the University of Reading by becoming the first black woman in the university’s 121-year history to graduate with a first-class degree in Law (LL.B) in 2013. Omonuwa’s outstanding achievement earned her the University of Reading Scholarship Award and recognition as the top student in the international foundation program. The university’s vice-chancellor praised her as one of their brightest and best students.

Her father, Augustine Omonuwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, expressed immense pride in her accomplishment, attributing it to her dedication and hard work. He also mentioned that he had encouraged her to pursue a legal career, influenced by his own background in law. Despite recommendations for a science-based path in high school, Augustine insisted on law, feeling a sense of responsibility to guide her in this direction. Omonuwa, who later attended the Nigerian Law School and graduated with first-class honors, expressed gratitude to her family for their support, particularly her father, who she described as her rock and foundation. She also mentioned her joy in winning the Chancellor’s Award, even though she wasn’t initially aware of the award’s existence, and spoke about her constant drive to avoid failure and disappointment.