In a ceremony brimming with legal luminaries and academic excellence, Professor Oluwabiyi Adeola Ayodele of the Department of International Law in the Faculty of Law of the University has emerged as a standout achiever at the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators’ (NICArb) 2024 Investiture and Awards. The event, held in Lagos, celebrated Professor Oluwabiyi’s dual recognition: conferment as a Fellow of the Institute and receipt of the outstanding performance award for securing the second position in the rigorous 2024 Fellowship Assessment.

Professor Oluwabiyi’s accolades underscore her mastery of arbitration, a field critical to Nigeria’s legal and commercial landscapes. She clinched the Judge Bola Ajibola Prize for her second-place finish in the Fellowship Assessment, a testament to her analytical prowess and dedication to advancing dispute resolution standards. Her performance places her among an elite cadre of professionals recognized by NICArb, an institution renowned for fostering excellence in alternative dispute resolution.

The Fellowship, NICArb’s highest professional distinction, was conferred on Professor Oluwabiyi by Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, OFR, FCArb, the Institute’s President and Council Chairman. This honor grants her access to a global network of arbitrators and solidifies her standing as a leader in the field. In his address, Professor Ajogwu lauded Professor Oluwabiyi’s “rigorous scholarship and unwavering commitment to ethical arbitration practices,” emphasizing the Institute’s mission to elevate Nigeria’s role in international dispute resolution.

Professor Oluwabiyi’s twin triumphs reflect years of dedication. The Fellowship Assessment, which evaluates candidates on complex award writing, legal analysis, and ethical judgment, is notorious for its exacting standards. Her second-place finish—a rare feat—earned her the outstanding performance award, further distinguishing her among peers. Notably, the prizes bear the names of Nigerian legal icons like Judge Ajibola, Hon. Justice Eso, and Aare Babalola, linking Professor Oluwabiyi’s achievements to a legacy of legal and judicial excellence.

An elated Professor Oluwabiyi, in her reaction, dedicated the honors to her family and mentors, reaffirming her commitment to mentoring young arbitrators. “This recognition is not an endpoint but a catalyst,” she remarked. “I aim to leverage this platform to advocate for arbitration as a tool for equitable justice and economic growth in Nigeria.”

As Nigeria navigates complex commercial disputes and international partnerships, skilled arbitrators like Professor Oluwabiyi are indispensable. Her achievements highlight the Institute’s role in nurturing talent that bridges local expertise with global standards. With her dual accolades, Professor Oluwabiyi is poised to influence policy, education, and practice in Nigeria’s arbitration community.

The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, established to promote excellence in alternative dispute resolution, annually recognizes professionals who exemplify its core values of integrity, innovation, and leadership. The 2024 Investiture also honored Chief Kingsley Chuku, SAN (first position), Henry Ejemuta Fomah, and Olubunmi O. Otuyemi (joint third position).

Professor Oluwabiyi Adeola Ayodele’s story is one of perseverance, intellect, and vision. As she steps into her role as a Fellow, the legal community watches with anticipation, confident that her contributions will resonate far beyond the lecture hall and courtroom.