From Gembu To Global Stage: Outstanding Ruqayyatu Modibbo Shines At ScottishBar

 

In a profession where precision meets perseverance, and brilliance is not just admired but required, few young legal minds shine as brightly as Ruqayyatu Modibbo Umar—a rising star from Gembu, Sardauna Local Government Area in Taraba State, Nigeria, who is making remarkable waves at the Scottish Bar. 

From the modest classrooms of Nurul-Ulum Primary School in Gembu to the prestigious halls of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and now the courtrooms of Scotland, Ruqayyatu'sjourney is nothing short of inspirational—a compelling narrative of academic excellence, global ambition, and relentless pursuit of justice.

At Ahmadu Bello University, Ruqayyatu graduated with First-Class Honours in Law, ranking among the top 0.4% of her class and emerging as the second-best out of 417 students. Her performance at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos was equally stellar, placing in the top 5% of over 5,000 students and earning four distinctions and a B+.

Her academic journey has been adorned with numerous accolades—including the prestigious Brain Box Prize, national moot court medals, and multiple merit awards. Notably, she made history as the first female Principal Partner of AnnurChambers, ABU's renowned student law firm, blazing a trail for aspiring women in law.

In 2022, Ruqayyatu was called to the Nigerian Bar. But her ambition reached beyond national borders. In 2024, she achieved a rare feat—qualifying as a Solicitor and Notary Public under the Law Society of Scotland, joining a small, elite group of Nigerian lawyers with cross-jurisdictional qualifications.

Her legal expertise extends beyond traditional practice. She is a Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E) and recognized by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission as a Data Protection Officer (DPO)—a specialization that places her at the forefront of an increasingly vital area of global law.

Ruqayyatu currently serves as an Associate at Templars, one of Nigeria's top-tier law firms, where she works across the Dispute Resolution and Corporate Commercial practice groups. Her role involves managing high-stakes litigation, arbitration, and advising international clients on complex legal issues. 

Previously, she served with distinction as an NYSC Associate at M.A. Mahmud SAN & Co, contributing to major case strategies, negotiations, and litigation. She also held the role of Company Secretary & Legal Adviser at Galactic Aviation Nigeria Ltd, overseeing corporate compliance and contract management.

Ruqayyatu's professional experience reflects a dynamic blend of litigation, corporate advisory, and arbitration. As an Associate at Templars, one of Nigeria's lading Tier-1 law firms, she works in the Dispute Resolution and Corporate Commercial practice groups, handling high-stake cases and advising multinational clients.  

Before joining Templars, she honed her skills as an NYSC Associate at M.A. Mahmud SAN & Co, where she actively participated in court proceedings, negotiations, and complex case strategies. She also served as the Company Secretary & Legal Adviser at Galactic Aviation Nig Ltd, overseeing corporate governance, compliance, and contract negotiations.

Leadership Beyond the Courtroom, Ruqayyatu's impact extends beyond legal practice. She has held multiple leadership roles, including: First Female Principal Partner of Annur Chambers, ABU Zaria.

- Assistant Group Leader at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus.

- Class Chairperson

-Director of Litigation under the banner of Annur Chambers, among other positions during her undergraduate years.

Her leadership was instrumental in organizing the AnnurChambers Journal Launch in honor of Hon Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, during his time in office, a project hailed as the largest student-led initiative in ABU's Faculty of Law since 1962.

Entrepreneurial Spirit and Community Impact

Beyond law, Ruqayyatu has founded the Modibbo Properties Investment Ltd, Ruqayyatu Modibbo Umar Foundation and Ruqy's Apparels.

Her commitment to community service is equally impressive. She has:

-Provided pro bono legal aid through the ABU Law Clinic, assisting pre-trial detainees and underprivileged individuals.

- Organized orphanage and hospital visits, offering support to vulnerable groups.

-Advocated for access to justice and criminal justice reforms through workshops and stakeholder engagements.

Ruqayyatu Modibbo's journey—from Gembu to the global legal stage—is a powerful narrative of excellence, leadership, and breaking barriers. Her dual qualification in Nigeria and Scotland, combined with her expertise in Dispute Resolution, Corporate Law, and Data Protection, positions her as a future leader in international law.

As she continues to shine at the Scottish Bar, Ruqayyatu remains a beacon of inspiration for young lawyers, especially women, proving that with determination and intellect, no legal frontier is unconquerable.  The legal world watches—her brightest chapters are yet to be written.