He Left The Nigerian Defence Academy With One Year To Go… Then Graduated With A First Class In Law

Benjamin Achodo once seemed destined for a military career, but one life-changing decision altered everything. In this exclusive interview with The Pendulum Media, the First Class Law graduate reflects on leaving the Nigerian Defence Academy, starting over through Cambridge A-Level and the faith that carried him to the Nigerian Bar.

Few people willingly walk away from certainty. Fewer still do so with only one year left before achieving it.

That was the decision Benjamin Achodo made.

Raised in a military environment, Benjamin pursued his childhood dream by gaining admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he trained to become a military officer. But as the years passed, he realised his purpose had changed.

With just one year left before graduation, he made the difficult decision to leave.

Many thought he had thrown away his future.

Instead, he was preparing for a different one.

Benjamin enrolled for a Cambridge A-Level programme at The Elects’ Academy, Ibadan, Oyo State bold Gained Direct Entry admission into Igbinedion University, Okada, graduated with a First Class in Law, proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, passed successfully and was called to the Nigerian Bar.

In this exclusive interview with The Pendulum Media, he speaks about courage, faith, sacrifice and why he believes it is never too late to begin again.

 

Growing Up in the Barracks

Congratulations on graduating with a First Class in Law. How does it feel to have reached this milestone? Bold

Benjamin Achodo: I feel deeply fulfilled and grateful to God for seeing me through this journey. Graduating with a First Class from Igbinedion University, successfully completing the Nigerian Law School and being called to the Nigerian Bar are milestones I do not take for granted. It is truly a moment of joy and fulfilment.

 

Tell us about your childhood. What kind of environment shaped the young Benjamin Achodo?

Growing up in the barracks was very eventful and intriguing. Meeting people from different backgrounds, tribes, cultures and religions gave me a broad understanding of Nigerian society from an early age.

Because it was a military environment, I naturally developed a passion for becoming a military officer.

 

Did you always dream of becoming a lawyer?

Honestly, no.

As a child, I never imagined I would study Law. What I always enjoyed, however, were intellectual discussions and meaningful arguments. Looking back now, perhaps that was an early sign of where life was leading me.

Caption: Benjamin Achodo during his days at the Nigerian Defence Academy before making the life-changing decision to pursue a legal career.

 

The Decision That Changed Everything

You were only one year away from graduating from the Nigerian Defence Academy before deciding to leave. What happened?

Growing up in a military environment shaped my passion for the profession.

When I gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy, I genuinely wanted to serve.

But as life progresses, our goals and visions sometimes change.

After spending several years in training, I gradually realised that my purpose in life might lie elsewhere. That was why I made the difficult decision to discontinue my training and chart a new path.

 

Many people would have stayed because they had already invested years into the programme. What gave you the courage to walk away?

One thing I learnt very early in life is that it is never too late to start afresh.

No matter the challenges, mistakes or circumstances, whenever a particular path no longer favours you, you should have the courage to begin again.

Another major reason was my father.

He supported my decision completely, and that gave me the confidence to move forward.

 

After leaving the NDA, you started all over again through Cambridge A-Level before gaining admission to study Law. Did it ever feel like you were moving backwards?

Yes.

It is only natural to feel that way.

But I kept reminding myself that achieving my goal required patience and dedication.

Thankfully, my parents remained my greatest support system throughout the journey.

 

Was there any lesson from your Cambridge A-Level days that still guides your life today?

Absolutely.

One quote from the Director of The Elects’ Academy, Mr. Eyitayo Olu-Flourish, has stayed with me ever since.

He would always say:

“Every new level of success requires a new level of sacrifice. Therefore, you must be willing to give your best to attain a new success in life.”

That quote shaped my mindset and continues to inspire me today.

Benjamin during his Cambridge A-Level programme at The Elects’ Academy, Ibadan—a fresh beginning after leaving the Nigerian Defence Academy.

 

The First-Class Journey
Where did you complete your Cambridge A-Level programme and where did you eventually study Law?

I completed my Cambridge A-Level programme at The Elects’ Academy, Ibadan, Oyo State after which I gained Direct Entry admission to study Law at Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.

 

Law is regarded as one of the toughest university courses. What kept you motivated?

The mental toughness I needed to study Law was built during my Cambridge A-Level programme.

The discipline, sleepless nights and intense preparation required to pass those examinations convinced me that studying Law successfully was possible.

What was your biggest challenge at university?

Balancing academics with leadership responsibilities.

I served as the Tennis and Badminton Student Captain, my class Course Representative and was also actively involved in social groups.

Finding the right balance was difficult initially, but once I developed a routine, everything became much easier.

 

Who played the biggest role in your success?

My family—especially my mother.

Several lecturers also played significant roles, particularly Prof. Nwazi and Dr. Rita. They constantly encouraged me, offered valuable advice and kept reminding me to stay focused on my goal.

Making my family proud has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey.

 

Benjamin during his undergraduate years at Igbinedion University, where he graduated with a First Class in Law.

 

Looking Ahead
Now that you have achieved this remarkable feat, what comes next?

My focus now is to carve out a niche for myself within the legal profession.
Once I establish myself in my chosen area, every other thing will follow.

Which area of law interests you the most?

Cyber Law and Property Law.

These are relatively less saturated fields, and they genuinely interest me.

Learning about them comes naturally.

Can you briefly explain both areas?

Cyber Law deals with the legal framework governing the internet and cyberspace. It addresses issues such as cybercrime, hacking, online fraud, data privacy, digital contracts and intellectual property.

Property Law focuses on the ownership, use and transfer of both physical and intangible assets, including land and real estate.

 

Words for Young Nigerians

If you could speak to your younger self on the day you left the Nigerian Defence Academy, what would you say?

“Keep going. It will all be worth it in the end.”

 

What would you say to young Nigerians who feel trapped in careers or courses they no longer love?

Take the difficult route if necessary.

Start again.

It may be painful, discouraging or even depressing, but remember that you only have one life.

Use it well.

People often worry about spending another four or five years pursuing a new dream.

The truth is that those years will pass anyway.

The only difference is whether you’ll spend them building the future you truly want.

 

Finally, what advice would you give students dreaming of graduating with a First Class?

Develop your own study plan and remain disciplined.

Avoid unnecessary distractions.

Keep a small circle of friends.

Stay away from addictive habits that can derail your ambitions.

Pray.

Above all, trust God’s will.

 

Quick Fire
Tea or Coffee?
Tea.

Morning or Late-night reading?
Early mornings.

Favourite Book?
Animal Farm by George Orwell.

Favourite Legal Icon?
Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

One Nigerian you’d love to meet?
Mr. Peter Obi.

One word your friends would use to describe you?
Dedicated.

What does success mean to you?

“The ability to fail and try again until you win.”

One Last Question
You walked away from the certainty of a career at the Nigerian Defence Academy to pursue a path with no guarantee of success. Looking back today, was that decision driven by courage, faith or conviction?

Without a doubt, faith.

At that point, there was absolutely no guarantee that life would become better.

Starting over meant beginning from scratch.
All I had was faith that everything would eventually work out.

Today, I can confidently say that it did.

Congratulations once again, Barrister Benjamin Achodo. We wish you a successful legal career.

Thank you very much. It has been my pleasure.

 

Benjamin Achodo’s story is more than one of academic excellence. It is a reminder that success is not always found by staying the course; sometimes, it begins with the courage to change direction.

Walking away from the Nigerian Defence Academy with only one year left required uncommon faith. Starting over demanded resilience. Graduating with a First Class in Law and earning a call to the Nigerian Bar proved that difficult decisions, when guided by purpose and perseverance, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

For every young Nigerian standing at a crossroads, his journey offers a simple but enduring lesson: it is never too late to rewrite your story.

Have you ever made a life-changing decision that transformed your future? Share your thoughts in the comments and follow The Pendulum Media for more inspiring stories that matter.

 

 

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