14-05-2025
Raaiqhah Akoo: a trailblazer in law with Summa Cum Laude honours
Raaiqhah Akoo, a 22-year-old law graduate from Verulam, has achieved remarkable academic success, including 12 Certificates of Merit and the Anand Nepaul Prize. She shares her journey, the challenges of studying law, and her aspirations to become an international attorney.
Top law achiever graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, Summa Cum Laude, after receiving 12 Certificates of Merit, eight Dean's Commendations, and the Anand Nepaul Prize for Best Criminal Law Student. Akoo was also awarded UKZN Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
The 22-year-old, from Verulam, said she always knew she was meant to study law.
'From a young age, something always drew me to law. I appreciate the kind of power that law has. It is found in every aspect of life, especially since it can be used as a way to make a real difference in people's lives. I used to be on the debate team in school, and I always loved arguing and debating issues. My parents always said I was their lawyer."
Akoo is the first and only law graduate in her family.
'So far, I'm the only one in the law field. My brother and parents chose different paths, while I always knew my destiny was law.'
She said studying a law degree was not easy but she loved gaining new knowledge.
'Academics have always been my passion. Even when I was in school, I always scored high and got As. It was no different when I entered university. The degree was highly stressful, especially waiting for the results to be released but sometimes, I miss it. I miss learning from my lecturers. I enjoyed studying for my degree. It brought me happiness."
She is currently serving her articles at Norton Rose Fulbright and hopes to be an admitted attorney of the high court and pursue law on an international scale.
'I want to explore all areas of law. Right now, I am an admitted attorney but I also want to learn about other fields and one day go overseas.'
Akoo said that she owed her success to her parents.
'My parents helped me throughout my degree, especially those late nights. My mother stayed up with me while I studied and even made snacks for me. They motivated me to do better and keep pushing, and for that I'm grateful,' said Akoo.
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