Motorcycle Mechanic who became Senior Advocate

The soldier was later transferred to Enugu and when the atmosphere failed to improve, the young Jibrin went back home. In 1980 after some persuasions that life would be better this time if he returned to Enugu, he did but was disappointed. Nothing had changed. Then came April 1980 and off he went to live with an uncle at Mararaba in old Gongola state (Present day Taraba State). All this while, he did not give up the hobby of hanging around free lessons venues. He watched and listened carefully. He learned to read and write. His uncle had a friend that was a headmaster. It was through that alliance he enrolled in primary six at Takum Local Government Primary School Mararaba in today’s Taraba State; completed his primary School that same year, 1980 and sat for his primary school Certificate Examination.  He came 2nd in the examinations!

J.S. Okutepa, SAN did not attend any secondary school. Having acquired his first school leaving certificate and with moral support from his uncle, the only relation who for once supported his being educated, he signed up at Benue State Fire Service Training School, Makurdi after being recruited as a fire man into Benue State Fire Service at Makurdi. That was between 1980 – 1981. There Jibrin Okutepa obtained the Basic Certificate in Fire Fighting and prevention. Things were gradually changing.

He sat for the November / December GCE O’level as an External Candidate in 1982.

 Then he attended the School of Basic Studies, Makurdi,1985-1987 and got admitted into the University of Jos in1987. He was at the Nigerian Law School Victoria Island, Lagos between 1990 and 1991.       Finally, his story changed on 12th December 1991when he was admitted into the Nigerian Bar.

After his admittance into the prestigious legal profession, he joined the Law Firm of Messrs. F.M. Ebofuame-Nezen and Co. at Makurdi, Benue State where he served from 1991 to1992. Thereafter, he moved on to Messrs. E.A. Haruna and Co. Makurdi, Benue State. There he spent another one year (1992-1993).

In 1994 Okutepa became a part time Lecturer in Commercial Law, University of Jos, Center, for continuing Education, Makurdi Campus. He was there till 1995. In 1996 he commenced work as a part time lecturer in Law, University of Lagos Computer Centre, Makurdi and in the same year established his own law firm – Messrs. J.S. Okutepa and Co.