For the first time since its establishment in 1962, the Nigerian Law School will be led by a woman. President Bola Tinubu has officially sanctioned the appointment of Dr. Olugbemisola Odusote as the institution’s new Director-General.
This pivotal decision shatters a 64-year gender barrier at the apex of Nigeria’s legal training system.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the development on Tuesday. According to the presidency, Dr. Odusote’s four-year tenure is scheduled to begin on January 10, 2026.
Succession Plan for Dr. Olugbemisola Odusote
The incoming Director-General will take the reins from Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma.
Professor Chiroma is currently winding down a significant eight-year term, which officially concludes on January 9, 2026. Consequently, the leadership handover will occur immediately the following day, ensuring a seamless transition for the multi-campus institution.
A Veteran Insider Steps Up
At 54, Dr. Odusote is already a senior figure within the system. Currently, she functions as the Deputy Director-General and heads the Lagos Campus.
Her journey with the Nigerian Law School is extensive. She first joined the faculty as a lecturer in 2001. Over the last two decades, she has climbed the administrative ladder, holding critical roles such as Director of Academics before her current appointment.
Academic Pedigree and Expertise
Dr. Olugbemisola Odusote brings a blend of local expertise and international exposure to the role. Her academic track record includes:
-
Legal Roots: An LL.B from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and a call to the Nigerian Bar in 1988.
-
Specialization: An LL.M from OAU centered on company and commercial law.
-
Doctorate: A PhD from the University of Surrey (UK), focusing on Public Law and the administration of justice.
-
Global Reach: Experience as a visiting scholar at Nottingham Trent University.
Strategic Mandate
Upon assuming office, the new Director-General will face the complex task of managing academic and administrative operations across all campuses nationwide.
Primarily, she is charged with providing strategic direction for the future of legal education in Nigeria. Furthermore, Dr. Odusote will serve as the chief liaison officer between the school, the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
