OAU Hails Tinubu’s Appointment of Odusote as First Female Nigerian Law School DG

The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has welcomed with enthusiasm the appointment of Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, describing the development as both historic and symbolic of the institution’s enduring contribution to legal education and national development.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved Odusote’s appointment, which takes effect from January 10, 2026, for a four-year tenure. Her emergence marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first woman to lead the Nigerian Law School since its establishment in 1962. She succeeds Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, whose tenure ends on January 9, 2026.

OAU Celebrates Historic Milestone

In its reaction, the university management described the appointment as a moment of pride for the Great Ife community and a reaffirmation of the institution’s long-standing reputation for producing leaders across key sectors of national life.

Speaking on behalf of the university, Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire noted that the appointment once again projects OAU as a breeding ground for excellence, character and leadership. According to him, the recognition of one of the university’s alumnae at such a strategic national level reflects the depth and quality of its academic tradition.

“This appointment is not only a personal triumph for Dr. Odusote; it is a collective pride for the Great Ife family,” Bamire said, adding that her emergence underscores the intellectual rigour and global competitiveness associated with the university’s Faculty of Law.

Akahi News gathered that members of the university community have continued to celebrate the development, viewing it as a strong affirmation of OAU’s role in shaping professionals who influence policy, institutions and governance across generations.

A Career Rooted in Scholarship and Service

Dr. Odusote obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Obafemi Awolowo University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. She later earned a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from the same institution, specialising in company and commercial law, before proceeding to the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, where she obtained a PhD in Law with research interests in public law and the administration of justice.

Her professional journey at the Nigerian Law School began in 2001 when she joined as a lecturer. Over the years, she rose steadily through the ranks, occupying several strategic academic and administrative positions, including Head of Academic Department, Director of Academics and Head of Campus. Prior to her latest appointment, she served as Deputy Director-General and Head of the Lagos Campus.

She has also contributed significantly to legal scholarship, publishing widely in reputable local and international journals and presenting research papers at several legal education conferences. Her experience as a visiting scholar at Nottingham Trent University further strengthened her academic and global exposure.

Leadership Expectations and National Significance

Professor Bamire described Odusote as a worthy ambassador of OAU’s founding philosophy of excellence, integrity and service to humanity. He noted that her scholarly depth and administrative experience position her well to lead reforms and strengthen the institutional framework of legal education in Nigeria.

“Dr. Odusote typifies the Great Ife spirit – cerebral, courageous and committed to excellence,” the Vice-Chancellor stated, adding that her appointment sends a powerful message to young Nigerians, particularly women, about the possibilities that discipline and competence can unlock.

Akahi News learnt that as Director-General, Odusote will oversee the academic and administrative leadership of the Nigerian Law School across its campuses nationwide. She will also serve as a key liaison between the institution and major stakeholders, including the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers and the Nigerian Bar Association.

Strengthening OAU’s Legacy in Legal Education

University management further observed that the appointment reinforces OAU’s longstanding reputation as a major contributor to Nigeria’s legal ecosystem, having produced eminent jurists, scholars, advocates, judges and policy thinkers who have distinguished themselves both locally and internationally.

For members of the Great Ife community, Odusote’s emergence represents more than a personal achievement. It is seen as another chapter in the university’s legacy of producing trailblazers whose impact extends beyond academia to national development and institutional growth.

The appointment has therefore been widely celebrated as a moment that not only honours individual excellence but also reflects the evolving landscape of leadership within Nigeria’s legal education system.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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