NIDCOM Chief Welcomes the Appointment of Prof. Odumosu-Ayanu as Dean of the Law College, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

Nigerian law professor, Dr. Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu, has achieved another remarkable milestone in her illustrious academic career with her appointment as Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Celebrating the achievement, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, congratulated Odumosu-Ayanu, describing her appointment as an extraordinary achievement and a source of pride for Nigeria and Nigerians in the diaspora.

NIDCOM, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, in a press release in Abuja, said the Head of the Commission noted that the appointment further demonstrated the caliber of Nigerian professionals who make significant contributions to global education, research and leadership.

He commended Odumosu-Ayanu for his distinguished academic career and contributions to legal scholarship, research and graduate education, noting that his journey from Lagos to a senior leadership position at a Canadian university exemplified the excellence and dedication of Nigerians in the diaspora.

“The appointment of Dr. Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu is a remarkable achievement and another testament to the excellence of Nigerians in the diaspora. Her journey from Lagos to the University of Saskatchewan reflects years of scholarship, dedication and leadership.

“We are proud of this achievement and celebrate her for making Nigeria proud. We wish her a successful tenure as Principal and look forward to seeing her make an even greater impact in global legal education, research and academic leadership,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

Odumosu-Ayanu will begin her five-year term as Principal on 1 October 2026, succeeding Professor Martin Phillipson, who has completed two five-year terms in the position.

The University of Saskatchewan announced her appointment on September 1, 2026, following a search process chaired by Patti McDougall, interim provost and vice-president academic.

McDougall said Odumosu-Ayanu’s appointment reflects her distinguished record of academic excellence, collaborative leadership and dedication to the advancement of research and graduate education.

According to the university, his mandate will build on the College of Law’s strong reputation for excellence in legal education and research, while strengthening its leadership in Indigenous legal scholarship and engagement with local and global communities.

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Odumosu-Ayanu developed an early interest in reading and writing. Although she initially considered studying communications, encouragement from her teachers and support from her parents led her to pursue the legal profession.

She earned her law degree at the University of Lagos before moving to Canada, where she earned a master’s degree at the University of Calgary, attracted by the university’s research strengths in natural resources, energy and environmental law.

Professor Odumosu-Ayanu subsequently earned a PhD from the University of British Columbia. Although she initially planned to return to Nigeria after completing her master’s degree and practicing law, her academic journey ultimately led her to pursue a career in teaching and research.

Odumosu-Ayanu joined the University of Saskatchewan College of Law in 2008 and has since built a distinguished academic career at the institution. He currently serves as Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies.

Dabiri-Erewa said her story demonstrates the significant impact Nigerians continue to have across the world through knowledge, experience and professional excellence.

The NIDCOM boss wished the professor a successful tenure and urged her to continue to serve as an inspiration to young Nigerians at home and abroad.