Prada Uzodimma, bridging the worlds of law, education, and social justice

Prada O. Uzodimma, Esq., is a distinguished Nigerian legal practitioner, visionary entrepreneur, and award-winning social impact leader whose work bridges the worlds of law, education, and social justice. She is the founder of Principle Legal Consult (PLC)—a fast-rising, solution-oriented law firm known for its strategic advisory, high-profile litigation, and reputation for excellence across both private and public sectors. She is widely recognised for her mastery of law, her bold redefinition of what it means to deliver legal services, and her deep commitment to empowering clients with clarity and confidence. As a passionate believer in access to justice and educational equity, she founded the Prada Uzodimma Law School Scholarship Grant (PUSG)—a transformative platform that has funded over 50 indigent aspiring lawyers across Nigeria. Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Greenwich (UK), her research continues to explore critical intersections between law enforcement and maritime security in Nigeria. She also holds an LLM in Maritime Law from the University of Southampton, where she earned the Dean’s Award for Excellence, and an LLB from the University of Surrey.

How did your journey into the legal profession begin?

Funny enough, I didn’t set out knowing I was going to become a lawyer. Growing up, I was torn between studying linguistics and something related to governance. I was curious, outspoken, and brilliant across all subjects, so the options felt endless. Then one day, my dad’s secretary at the time—Ekatae Nwokoro (may her soul rest in peace)—made a passing comment that stuck with me. She said I loved to argue and was always defending people, so I might as well consider studying law. It started as a joke, but it planted a seed. What she probably didn’t realise was how much I admired her, despite our little disagreements here and there. She inspired me, and I thought, if she believed I’d make a good lawyer, then maybe I should give it a try. That’s how I ended up studying law at university, and while that initial decision was sparked by a casual remark, what has kept me in the profession is far more profound. It’s the impact I’m making—both here in Nigeria and internationally—that has truly anchored me in this journey.

What motivated you to establish Principle Legal Consult, and what vision did you have for establishing the firm?

I established Principle Legal Consult as a young lawyer with just over a year of litigation experience. The name of the firm was divinely inspired—I believe it was a project God placed on my heart. During my service year, I observed how junior lawyers were often treated, and I made a quiet promise to myself that if I ever started a firm, that would be the first thing I’d change. I also noticed a gap in the legal profession. Many lawyers were focused solely on litigation and traditional practice models. But I wanted more. I wanted to be a true solution provider, not just a lawyer bound by the four corners of a courtroom. The vision for Principle Legal Consult has always been to offer clients holistic legal solutions while creating a supportive and empowering environment for lawyers. At PLC, we are committed to making a difference, both in how we serve our clients and in how we treat our people. It’s about innovation, purpose, and being driven by principle—just as the name suggests.

You mentioned a commitment to social justice in your work. What experiences shaped your dedication to this cause?

At Principle Legal Consult, our most impactful Corporate Social Responsibility project is the Prada Uzodimma Law School Scholarship Grant (PUSG). This initiative is deeply personal and rooted in my own experience as an aspiring lawyer at the Nigerian Law School in Abuja. I had just completed my Master’s degree at the University of Southampton and returned to Nigeria to begin my Bar Part I programme. While studying and preparing for Bar Part II, I had already built relationships and formed a sense of community with my classmates. Then something heartbreaking happened. As exams approached, several students received notices that they would be unable to write the exams unless they cleared their outstanding fees. It was a devastating reality—and a common one in Nigerian institutions, financial challenges only become official roadblocks right before critical moments like exams. As a class, we did what we could. We rallied around and raised funds to support some of our colleagues. But despite our efforts, we couldn’t help everyone. Some students were forced to drop out, unable to take their exams—and just like that, their dream of being called to the Nigerian Bar ended. That moment stayed with me. These were not students who lacked ability or passion. They were bright, determined individuals, hindered only by circumstance. I knew then that I had to do something to ensure that finance would not be the reason a passionate and capable law student was denied their calling. That’s how the Prada Uzodimma Law School Scholarship Grant was born. It is specifically targeted at passionate and indigent students, not necessarily the ones topping their class with a 5.0 GPA, but those who are committed to the legal profession and are simply in need of a lifeline. This is my way of ensuring that access to justice begins with access to legal education.

What inspired you to create the Prada Uzodimma Law School Scholarship Grant (PUSG) and how has that been going?

It’s been four impactful years of running the Prada Uzodimma Law School Scholarship Grant (PUSG), and the journey has been nothing short of phenomenal. So far, we’ve sponsored 50 passionate, indigent students through the Nigerian Law School—students who may not have otherwise had the financial means to pursue their dreams of becoming lawyers. The inspiration behind PUSG came from my own experience at the Law School in Abuja, witnessing how financial hardship prevented some brilliant, committed students from writing their final exams. I knew I wanted to be part of the solution. Today, I’m proud to say that we’ve not only supported 50 aspiring lawyers, but we’re now seeing the fruits of that labour. Fifteen of our beneficiaries are already practicing lawyers, and on the 10th of July, I attended another ‘Call to Bar’ ceremony in Abuja to celebrate an additional 15. That brings the total to 30 qualified lawyers—30 lives changed, 30 legal careers launched—all from a vision that started with compassion and commitment. But I haven’t done this alone. PUSG is what it is because of the incredible community that surrounds it—people who’ve helped in ways big and small, sharing flyers, donating, volunteering as judges for our yearly panels, or simply spreading the word. It’s a collective effort, and I’m so deeply grateful. More recently, PUSG has grown beyond just a scholarship grant. We’ve introduced the PUSG Internship Programme and the PUSG Fireside Chat—initiatives that connect our beneficiaries with top law firms and organisations for real-world experience and mentorship. Through these programmes, several of our scholars have secured job opportunities, and we’ve created a pathway for grooming the next generation of Nigerian lawyers—not just academically, but professionally and ethically. This is only the beginning. With God’s help, we’ll continue to roll out PUSG annually, expanding its impact and ensuring that no passionate aspiring lawyer is left behind simply because of financial constraints.

How important is mentorship in the legal field, especially for young aspiring lawyers?

Mentorship, in my view, is absolutely essential in the legal profession—especially for young and aspiring lawyers. I always tell the young lawyers I meet that having a good mentor is like having a cheat code to life. A mentor is someone who is already wearing the shoes you hope to wear in the future. They’ve walked the path, faced the challenges, and carved out a space in the profession that you’re still aspiring toward. The beauty of mentorship is that it allows you to learn from someone else’s lived experience. You gain insight, avoid certain mistakes, and receive guidance that helps fine-tune your own path. Mentors don’t just show you what’s possible—they also help you navigate how to get there, often with far more clarity and confidence than if you were figuring it out alone. That’s why, as part of the Prada Uzodimma Law School Scholarship Grant (PUSG), we launched the PUSG Fireside Chat—a mentorship and conversation series that brings together our beneficiaries and other interested young lawyers with key industry leaders. These Fireside Chats offer practical, one-on-one conversations with experienced professionals across various sectors, giving our scholars the rare opportunity to ask questions, learn, and be guided directly. We’ve been running the Fireside Chat for two years now, and we’ve seen its impact firsthand. The students and young lawyers always look forward to it, and the feedback has been incredible. It’s one thing to fund someone’s education, but it’s another to walk with them, offering the kind of mentorship that shapes their mindset, their values, and their future.

As a co-founder of ‘The Ability Life Initiative’ (TALI), why was this founded and what are some of the key challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria. How can it be tackled?

Co-founding The Ability Life Initiative (TALI) was a pivotal moment for me. I’ve always seen myself not just as a lawyer, but also as an education advocate and a disability rights advocate. My passion for education led to initiatives like the Prada Uzodimma Law School Scholarship Grant, which serves as a Corporate Social Responsibility project of Principle Legal Consult. But beyond education, I’ve become increasingly committed to advocating for disability rights in Nigeria. TALI was born out of a strong desire to promote inclusion—not just in education, but across all sectors of society. True inclusion means that persons with disabilities are able to enjoy their fundamental human rights in ways that are accessible and dignified. It means access to quality healthcare, inclusive education, affordable housing, accessible public transport, and equal employment opportunities. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, persons with disabilities face significant barriers across all of these areas. The gaps are everywhere. In healthcare, there are very few accessible hospitals or facilities tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities. In housing, most buildings and infrastructure lack ramps, elevators, or accessible designs. In transport, public systems rarely cater to people with mobility or sensory impairments. And in the labour market, discrimination persists—many employers are unwilling to hire persons with disabilities, either due to bias or lack of enabling workplace structures. TALI was established to challenge these systemic gaps and create solutions. We advocate for inclusive policies, engage in community education, run awareness campaigns, and implement grassroots projects aimed at bridging these divides. From organising training workshops on learning disabilities to hosting inclusive talent shows and sports activities, we work to empower persons with disabilities and reshape societal perceptions. To truly address these challenges, we need multi-sectoral collaboration—between government, civil society, the private sector, and the disability community. We must enforce accessibility laws, reform infrastructure, promote inclusive education, and invest in economic empowerment. But more importantly, we must shift mindsets—from charity to rights, from sympathy to equity. TALI is committed to making that shift happen, and it’s a journey we continue with resolve and hope.

Are there sufficient laws that protect persons with disabilities in Nigeria? What can be done to make this better?

Nigeria has taken a commendable step in the right direction with the enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, often referred to as the Disability Rights Act. However, while the law provides a foundational legal framework, it still has significant gaps that need to be addressed to ensure full protection and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs). One major area for improvement is enforcement. The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), established under the Act, currently lacks prosecutorial powers. This limits the commission’s ability to hold individuals, institutions, and even government agencies accountable for violations of the rights of PWDs. Strengthening the NCPWD by granting it prosecutorial authority would make enforcement more effective and would serve as a deterrent to discriminatory practices. Additionally, there needs to be a stronger legal emphasis on the consequences for discrimination. Right now, enforcement is weak, and many cases of discrimination or inaccessibility go unpunished. More robust penalties, clear reporting mechanisms, and accessible legal remedies must be put in place. Beyond legislation, public awareness is critical. Many people and institutions are still unaware of the law’s existence, let alone its provisions. Continuous education and sensitisation, especially among employers, service providers, and government actors, are essential to change mindsets and practices. In short, while the Disability Rights Act laid an important foundation, we must now focus on bridging its gaps—especially in enforcement, accountability, and awareness—to ensure that the rights it promises are actually realised in the daily lives of persons with disabilities.

Can you elaborate on the TALI Tab Project and its significance in supporting children with cerebral palsy?

The TALI Tab Project is focused on one powerful goal: making education and learning truly accessible for children with cerebral palsy in Nigeria. Many of these children experience communication challenges, often due to motor or audio impairments, which severely limit their ability to express themselves in traditional classroom settings. The TALI Tab introduces a transformative solution. Each tablet is equipped with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technology—software that enables non-verbal or minimally verbal children to communicate their emotions, needs, and responses with just the tap of a button. It gives them a voice, and with that voice comes dignity, confidence, and a real sense of inclusion. This project has already proven to be instrumental—not only in the lives of the children using the technology, but in advancing the broader vision of inclusive education in Nigeria. It’s more than just a device, it represents equity in action. The TALI Tab Project has received support from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and is also a personal favourite of Her Excellency, Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the First Lady of Kwara State, who has shown remarkable interest in inclusive education and disability advocacy. We are currently seeking additional partners and sponsors to help scale this impact across all 36 states of Nigeria, ensuring that children with disabilities—no matter where they live—can access quality, tailored education. By bridging the communication gap, the TALI Tab is helping break down long-standing barriers in education, shifting the national conversation around disability, and redefining what it means to learn and belong.

How do you think society can further promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities?

The most effective way society can promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities is through strong policy and intentional implementation. It’s not enough to simply have conversations about inclusion—we must embed it within our laws, institutions, and daily systems. Recently, The Ability Life Initiative (TALI) hosted a round-table in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, focusing on the implementation of the African Disability Protocol (ADP). The ADP is especially significant because it goes beyond Nigeria’s Disability Rights Act, offering a more holistic and inclusive framework that emphasizes not just legal rights, but care, access, dignity, and full societal integration for persons with disabilities. At TALI, we place a strong focus on policy because we believe that policies are the most sustainable tools for change. Policies can outlive any individual or administration and ensure that inclusion remains a national priority. But we also know that policy without implementation is ineffective. That’s why our advocacy goes hand in hand with pushing for real-life application and accountability. Our five core pillars at TALI reflect this comprehensive approach to inclusion:

• Policy and advocacy

• Healthcare

• Education

• Labour and transport

• Mental health and anti-discrimination

These pillars reflect our belief that inclusion is not a single-issue goal—it must be multi-dimensional. We must create a society where persons with disabilities are not just accommodated, but are fully empowered to thrive—through access to quality education, dignified employment, accessible infrastructure, healthcare, and the protection of their fundamental rights.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing legal education in Nigeria today?

One of the biggest challenges facing legal education in Nigeria today is the lack of access to quality education and training, especially for aspiring lawyers from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many talented individuals are held back by financial constraints, making it difficult for them to pursue and complete their legal education. This limits the diversity and potential within the legal profession. In addition to financial barriers, the legal education system struggles with outdated curricula, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to modern resources. There is a pressing need to reform the curriculum to align with contemporary legal challenges and to adopt more innovative, problem-solving approaches to legal training. Students must be taught to think critically, adapt to evolving legal landscapes, and solve problems beyond the traditional, doctrinal methods. To bridge these gaps, initiatives like the Prada Uzodimma Law School Scholarship Grant (PUSG) are making a difference by providing financial aid, mentorship, and practical legal exposure. Such efforts are essential to ensure that legal education in Nigeria becomes more inclusive, dynamic, and responsive to the needs of society.

How has your ongoing research for your PhD at the University of Greenwich influenced your practice and advocacy work?

My PhD research has significantly deepened my capacity as both a legal practitioner and an advocate. It has made me a more rigorous researcher, equipping me with the skills to defend my positions with evidence-based arguments and to approach issues from broader, more interdisciplinary perspectives. The exposure to international standards and emerging innovations has enriched the way I engage with legal and policy challenges, ensuring that my work remains both globally informed and locally impactful. Importantly, my research focuses on sustainable, solution-driven approaches—this has shaped how I develop advocacy strategies and legal interventions that are not just reactive, but transformative. It has strengthened my commitment to excellence and has been instrumental in aligning my work with global best practices, particularly in areas like maritime security, access to justice, and disability inclusion.

What are your long-term goals for Principle Legal Consult and your advocacy work?

My long-term goal for Principle Legal Consult is to reshape how people perceive the law—moving beyond traditional legal advice to offer innovative, forward-thinking solutions that address complex problems across borders. I aim to position the firm as a hub for global solutions to global challenges, serving not just individuals, but institutions, organizations, and governments seeking transformative legal and policy support. Through the Prada Uzodimma Law School Scholarship Grant (PUSG), my mission is to groom the next generation of lawyers—not just as legal professionals, but as individuals of inestimable value who are equipped to lead, innovate, and serve with integrity. With The Ability Life Initiative (TALI), my long-term goal is to ensure that Nigeria—and Africa more broadly—becomes truly inclusive in both policy implementation and access to fundamental human rights. TALI is committed to dismantling systemic barriers and creating sustainable pathways for persons with disabilities to thrive in every aspect of society.

How do you envision the future of legal practice in Nigeria, particularly regarding social justice and equity?

I envision a future where legal practice in Nigeria becomes a true vehicle for advancing social justice and equity—where the law is not just a tool for resolving disputes, but a powerful instrument for creating inclusive, accountable, and rights-respecting systems. The legal profession must evolve to become more people-centered, with lawyers actively engaged in dismantling structural inequalities and advocating for the marginalised. This future demands a shift from rigid legal formalism to a more dynamic, impact-driven approach—where issues like disability rights, gender equity, access to education, and economic justice are treated not as peripheral concerns but as central pillars of legal engagement. Technology, innovation, and international best practices will also play a vital role in modernizing legal services and expanding access to justice. Ultimately, I see a legal profession that reflects the diversity of the society it serves and is committed to defending the dignity and rights of all, especially the most vulnerable. It is this vision that continues to shape my work, both in legal practice and in advocacy.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the legal profession?

To young women aspiring to enter the legal profession, I would advise them to be bold, resilient, and determined. It’s essential to develop a strong foundation in law, build a network of supportive mentors and peers, and seek out opportunities for practical experience. Don’t be afraid to take risks, speak up, and advocate for yourself and others. Cultivate a growth mindset, stay adaptable, and prioritize self-care. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your abilities. Remember, your unique perspective and voice is valuable assets to the legal profession. Own your space, push boundaries, and strive to make a positive impact.

How do you balance the demands of a successful career with personal life and self-care?

Balancing a successful career with personal life and self-care requires intentionality, discipline, and a strong sense of purpose. For me, it starts with setting clear goals and boundaries, managing my time wisely, and learning to say no to commitments that do not align with my priorities. I also place great value on self-care—whether through exercise, quiet moments of reflection, spending time with loved ones, or simply resting when needed. One of the most important aspects of my personal balance is prayer. I make it a point to regularly talk with God, seek His guidance, and draw strength from my faith. It grounds me and gives me clarity, especially in high-pressure moments. Delegating tasks, trusting my team, and creating space to pause and recharge are essential to sustaining both my professional performance and personal well-being. This balance is what fuels my creativity, resilience, and ability to lead with purpose.

Concluding words

At the heart of everything I do—whether it’s legal practice, advocacy, or academic research—is a deep desire to create meaningful change. I believe the law should serve people, protect dignity, and open doors. My journey has taught me that excellence is not just about titles or success; it’s about impact, service, and staying true to purpose. As I continue to grow, I remain committed to raising the next generation, pushing boundaries, and challenging systems that exclude or silence people. I believe we all have a role to play in building a better Nigeria—and a more just world. I’m simply doing my part, with faith, resilience, and an unshakable belief in what’s possible.