Law School Graduation

Introducing…
Dr. Ikenna A. Ezealah, JD, PhD, MBA
Builder of the African Future

Four years ago during the COVID quarantine I did soul searching. I reexamined my life and delved deeply into the culture, history, and rich traditions of my people, the African people. Recognizing the past and present successes, challenges, and current lack of genuine leadership, a question arose within:

“What are you doing to give back and support the development of your people?”

I had no answer and felt ashamed. But I fervently prayed, then firmly resolved to support the African people’s development by focusing my life to fostering economic growth, good governance, indigenous development, and institutional building across Africa.

I then decided to got to law school in order to obtain the skills necessary to be a helper to my people as an international nation-building diplomat. Since then, my professional experiences have been miraculous. Yet I have also faced great challenges I always faced quietly and diligently, unknown to most.

In my darkest hours it was always my faith in God and the commitment to my life’s purpose that gave me strength to keep boldly forging ahead. I only have Plan A and no Plan B; my Plan A is my plan A-Z. For in my heart I believe in only one outcome: unconditional victory!

I spent my first year at Case Western Reserve School of Law. Then, following an inner prompting, I transferred to American University Washington School of Law. My main professional experiences during law school are follows:

• UN Immersion for Multilateral Diplomacy; Diplomatic Trainee
• International Trade Centre; Int’l Trade Intern (designed model legal framework to establish NECs National Export Councils)
• Washington International Diplomatic Academy; Int’l Diplomatic Trainee
• Colin Powell Leadership Institute by Black Professionals in International Affairs – BPIA; Fellow
• Garvey-Nkrumah Legal Fellowship Program (fostering African/Black leaders to apply Pan-African economic development models); Fellow
• Public International Law & Policy Group; Senior Research Associate
• Whiteford, Taylor & Preston; Extern (developing an International Investment Manual)

On December 14, 2025, exactly six years to the day I obtained my PhD, I walked across the stage at AUWCL to obtain my JD.

Now through the Grace of God I proudly declare: “It is finished!” To mark graduation, I prepared a short video entitled “A Long Walk to JD (Juris Doctorate)”

I work hard for the opportunity to work harder in service, and know that success is only a Divine loan to be repaid through the service to uplift the African people. I thank God for His Omnipresent Guidance. Also all family, friends, and colleagues who have helped me.

I did it! Now I am ready for the next chapter, focused heavenward and in fulfilling my life’s objective: to be a servant of God, and a helper and guardian of the welfare and further development of the African People!

May God the Father grant me holy power for this work!

💫Onward & Upward!💫

~Dr. Ikenna A. Ezealah, JD, PhD, MBA
Builder of the African Future