ABUJA, SEPTEMBER 7, 2026
Nigerian-born law professor, Dr Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu, has earned another remarkable milestone in her distinguished academic career with her appointment as Dean of the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Celebrating the accomplishment, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, congratulated Odumosu-Ayanu, describing her appointment as a remarkable achievement and a source of pride for Nigeria and Nigerians in the diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa said the appointment further demonstrated the calibre of Nigerian professionals making significant contributions to global education, research and leadership.
She commended Odumosu-Ayanu for her distinguished academic career and contributions to legal scholarship, research and graduate education, noting that her journey from Lagos to a senior leadership position at a Canadian university exemplified the excellence and dedication of Nigerians in the diaspora.
“Dr Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu’s appointment 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 accomplishment and celebrate her for making Nigeria proud. We wish her a successful tenure as Dean and look forward to seeing her make an even greater impact in legal education, research and global academic leadership,” she said.
Odumosu-Ayanu will commence her five-year tenure as Dean on October 1, 2026, succeeding Professor Martin Phillipson, who 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 reflected her distinguished record of academic excellence, collaborative leadership and dedication to advancing research and graduate education.
According to the university, her tenure 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 law.
She obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree from 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.
She subsequently pursued a PhD at the University of British Columbia. Although she initially planned to return to Nigeria after completing her master’s degree and practise law, her academic journey eventually 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. She currently serves as Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies.
Dabiri-Erewa said Odumosu-Ayanu’s story demonstrates the significant impact Nigerians continue to make across the world through knowledge, expertise and professional excellence.
The NiDCOM Boss wished the professor a successful tenure and urged her to continue serving as an inspiration to young Nigerians at home and abroad.
