BREAKING NEWS: Tinubu Appoints First Female Director-General of Nigerian Law School

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, marking a historic milestone in the institution’s long-standing history.

The development was officially announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, through a formal statement released on Tuesday. According to the disclosure, Dr. Odusote’s appointment will take effect from January 10, 2026, and she is expected to serve a four-year tenure.

Dr. Odusote, who is 54 years old, currently serves as the Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Law School and also heads the Lagos Campus, one of the institution’s most prominent branches. With this appointment, she becomes the first woman ever to occupy the position of Director-General since the Nigerian Law School was established in 1962.

She is set to take over from Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, whose leadership term concludes on January 9, 2026, after completing eight years of service at the helm of the institution.

Strong Academic and Professional Background

Dr. Titilayo Odusote holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Obafemi Awolowo University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. She later earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from the same university, with specialization in Company and Commercial Law.

Further advancing her academic pursuits, she obtained a Doctorate degree (PhD) in Law from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. Her research interests span Public Law and Justice Administration, areas that directly align with legal education and institutional governance.

Career Journey at the Nigerian Law School

Dr. Odusote joined the Nigerian Law School in 2001 as a lecturer and steadily rose through the ranks due to her dedication and expertise. Over the years, she has served in several critical leadership roles, including Head of Academic Department, Director of Academics, and Head of Campus.

Her professional exposure also includes a brief period as a Visiting Scholar at Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom, where she engaged in academic exchange and research collaboration.

Contributions to Legal Scholarship and Professional Bodies

Throughout her career, Dr. Odusote has made significant contributions to legal scholarship. She has authored and co-authored numerous academic publications featured in reputable local and international law journals. In addition, she has presented scholarly papers at various legal education and professional conferences.

Beyond academia, she has actively participated in policy and governance matters, serving on several committees under the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Responsibilities as Director-General

In her new role as Director-General, Dr. Odusote will oversee the academic direction, administrative operations, and strategic planning of the Nigerian Law School across all campuses nationwide. She will also act as the principal link between the institution and key legal bodies, including the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers, and the Nigerian Bar Association.

Her appointment is widely seen as a progressive step that reflects evolving leadership dynamics within Nigeria’s legal education system.