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Joseph Uzamere

Joseph Uzamere

Joseph studied full-time for a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) with The Open University Law School from 2017 to 2020, and didn’t let his OCD get in his way.

As a kid, I always wanted to be a barrister. I enjoyed debating and being critical, and I was nicknamed 'question box'. But the older I got, the more empathetic I became towards socially marginalised people in society. I felt there was no justice, simply because it was either denied or inaccessible to less privileged members of the community. So, I decided to do my bit by becoming a barrister so I could help the needy and be the voice of the voiceless.

“I studied full time, because I had time. It was beneficial to me to graduate sooner. At first, I was a bit sceptical about the idea of studying law online. But online learning platforms were not alien to me and within the first few weeks of my first year, I became pretty confident I had made the right choice. 

“I suffer from an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and studying was not easy. Sometimes, I would read one page 50 times over – not because I couldn’t understand the content or context, but because of the 'compulsion' to do so. Imagine doing that in an exam – the thought is both laughable and frightening. However, thanks to the OU’s one-to-ones and disability services, I barely felt the impact of my OCD. The tutors were understanding and accommodating. I equally underwent a therapy section (on my own) to mitigate the effect on my studies. With the therapy and the help offered by OU, I was able to study without my OCD impacting my degree.

“In my first year, I found being exposed to a myriad of legal terminologies and concepts fascinating and somewhat intoxicating. It was a critical part of my studies as it gave me the building blocks for my legal career.

“My favourite part of the second year was the 'legal application' aspect – case laws, and problem questions. I am naturally critical so I found dealing with problem questions fun. It allowed me the opportunity to evaluate, critique, and assess laws and how they are applied. Contract law allowed me the opportunity to think and use the law as a 'lawyer', but also as an adviser within a business context.

“In my final year, I studied a Justice in Action module which was geared towards the practical aspect of law and pro bono work. This year was arguably the most challenging, but equally rewarding because I had the opportunity to work with other students on a pro bono project. The project was incredibly beneficial as it helped me realise my weakness when working in a team. More so, my experience on the module encouraged me to volunteer doing some more pro bono work.

“Of course, studying with the OU might not be for everyone. Some might find it isolating. But I enjoyed my time studying with the OU. The materials, support, qualitative teaching, virtual learning environment platform and one-to-one support system are all state of the art.

“I would like the OU to include an advocacy class or mooting competition into their LLB programme. Advocacy is a staple of every lawyer's career, and it is something I am struggling with. But my time and experience with the OU were invaluable and I made some friends for life. The tutors did not only teach us, but they related to us and discussed topics with us at an equal pace. They know how to take the edge off, and make you feel at home. That's a level of professionalism many lecturers and tutors do not have.

“I am currently doing my masters in International Commercial Law at a different university. Due to the quality of my degree from the OU, I was accepted into all the universities I applied to.”