In a landmark decision for Nigeria's legal education sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Law School. This historic appointment makes her the first woman to lead the prestigious institution since its establishment in 1962.
A Historic Appointment and Career Path
The appointment of Dr. Odusote is set to take effect on January 10, 2026, marking the start of a four-year term. She will succeed the outgoing Director-General, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, whose tenure concludes on January 9, 2026, after eight years of service. At 54 years old, Dr. Odusote ascends to the top role from her current position as Deputy Director-General and Head of the Lagos Campus of the Nigerian Law School.
Her academic journey is deeply rooted in Nigerian and international law. She earned her LL.B. degree from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. She further specialized by obtaining an LL.M from the same university, focusing on company and commercial law. Her academic prowess culminated in a PhD in Law from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, where her research centered on Public Law and the administration of justice.
Decades of Service and Scholarly Contribution
Dr. Odusote's career at the Nigerian Law School began in 2001 when she joined as a lecturer. Over more than two decades, she has held several key positions that prepared her for this leadership role. Her service record includes:
- Head of the Academic Department
- Director of Academics
- Head of Campus
Her expertise has also been recognized internationally, having served as a visiting scholar at Nottingham Trent University in the UK. As a prolific academic, Dr. Odusote has published extensively in reputable local and international law journals and has been a frequent presenter at numerous conferences on legal education.
Responsibilities and Strategic Leadership
In her new capacity as Director-General, Dr. Olugbemisola Odusote will shoulder significant responsibilities that will shape the future of legal training in Nigeria. Her core duties will include:
Providing overall academic leadership and setting the strategic direction for all campuses of the Nigerian Law School. She will also be tasked with the administrative management of the institution. A critical part of her role will be to serve as the primary liaison between the law school and key legal bodies, including the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Her appointment is widely seen as a progressive step towards greater gender inclusion in the leadership of Nigeria's vital professional institutions. It also brings a seasoned academic and administrator with a strong publication record and international exposure to the helm of the country's premier institution for barrister training.
