President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made a historic appointment, approving Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote as the first female Director-General of the Nigerian Law School. This significant move marks a new era for the institution, which has been in operation since 1962. The appointment is set to commence on January 10, 2026, and will span a four-year term, ushering in a period of fresh leadership and strategic direction. Dr. Odusote, a seasoned legal professional at 54, currently holds the position of deputy director-general and oversees the Lagos Campus, demonstrating her extensive experience within the school’s administrative and academic framework. She will be succeeding Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, whose impactful eight-year tenure concludes on January 9, 2026. What is the Nigerian Law School? The Nigerian Law School is an institution established to provide practical legal training for law graduates in Nigeria, preparing them for the Nigerian Bar examinations and professional practice. Her academic journey is impressive, including an LL.B. from Obafemi Awolowo University, followed by an LL.M. in company and commercial law from the same institution. Furthering her academic pursuits, she earned a PhD in Law from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, with a research focus on Public Law and the administration of justice. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, solidifying her credentials as a practicing lawyer. Her journey with the Nigerian Law School began in 2001 when she joined as a lecturer, a role from which she progressively advanced through various leadership positions. These roles have included head of the academic department, director of academics, and head of campus, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the school’s operations. During her tenure, she also had the opportunity to serve as a visiting scholar at Nottingham Trent University in the UK, broadening her international perspective on legal education. Dr. Odusote’s contributions extend to scholarly work, with extensive publications in reputable local and international law journals and numerous presentations at legal education conferences. She has also actively participated in crucial committees for the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Bar Association, underscoring her commitment to the legal profession. As the new Director-General, Dr. Odusote will be entrusted with the overall academic leadership, administrative management, and strategic direction of the Nigerian Law School across all its campuses. Furthermore, she will serve as the key liaison between the school, the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers, and the Nigerian Bar Association, fostering collaboration and ensuring the institution’s continued excellence. The appointment of the first female Director-General is a testament to meritocracy and a significant step forward for gender representation in leadership within Nigeria’s legal education sector.
