The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has expressed profound delight at the appointment of one of its illustrious alumnae, Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote, as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, describing the development as a historic milestone and a ringing affirmation of the University’s enduring leadership in legal education and national service.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved Odusote’s appointment, which takes effect from January 10, 2026, for a four-year term, making her the first woman to head the Nigerian Law School since its establishment in 1962. She succeeds Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, whose tenure expires on January 9, 2026.

Reacting to the news, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, said the appointment had once again projected the University as a foremost nursery of excellence, character and leadership, whose products continue to shape policy, institutions and national development across generations.

“This appointment is not only a personal triumph for Dr. Odusote; it is a collective pride for the Great Ife family,” Bamire said. “It affirms, in the most resounding manner, the depth, rigour and global competitiveness of Obafemi Awolowo University’s academic tradition, particularly in the discipline of law. We are immensely proud that the first female Director-General of the Nigerian Law School is a thoroughbred product of Great Ife.”

The Vice-Chancellor described Odusote as a worthy ambassador of the University’s founding philosophy of excellence, integrity and service to humanity, noting that her career trajectory reflects the strong intellectual foundation and values instilled by OAU’s faculty.

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

She joined the Nigerian Law School in 2001 as a lecturer and steadily rose through the ranks, serving in various strategic capacities, including Head of Academic Department, Director of Academics and Head of Campus. Until her appointment, she was the Deputy Director-General and Head of the Lagos Campus. She has also been a visiting scholar at Nottingham Trent University in the UK, published extensively in reputable local and international journals, and presented scholarly papers at numerous legal education conferences.

Professor Bamire further lauded her scholarly depth, administrative acumen and steady leadership, describing her as “a fine blend of intellectual sophistication, institutional memory and reform-minded leadership.”

Dr. Odusote typifies the Great Ife spirit – cerebral, courageous and committed to excellence,” the Vice-Chancellor added. “Her emergence at the apex of legal education administration in Nigeria sends a powerful signal to our students, especially young women, that there are no ceilings to aspiration when discipline, competence and integrity are brought to bear.”

The University management noted that her appointment reinforces OAU’s reputation as a leading contributor to the Nigerian legal ecosystem, having produced eminent jurists, scholars, advocates, judges and policy thinkers who have distinguished themselves locally and globally.

As Director-General, Odusote will provide overall academic and administrative leadership for the Nigerian Law School and steer its strategic direction across all campuses, while serving as the principal liaison with the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers and the Nigerian Bar Association.

For the Great Ife community, the appointment is being celebrated not merely as a personal milestone, but as yet another chapter in the University’s enduring story of producing pathfinders who illuminate institutions and elevate the nation.