On 10 January 2026, Dr Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote assumed office as Director‑General of the Nigerian Law School, marking a historic milestone in the institution’s history. She is the first woman to lead the Nigerian Law School since its establishment in 1962, a development widely celebrated as a breakthrough for gender inclusion in Nigerian legal education and institutional leadership.
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Early Life and Education
Dr Odusote’s academic foundation was laid at Obafemi Awolowo University, where she earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, formally launching her legal career. She continued at the same university to obtain a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree, specialising in company and commercial law.
Dr Odusote later pursued further legal scholarship at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, where she completed a Ph.D. in Law. Her doctoral work focused on public law and the administration of justice, fields that are central to the study and practice of law in modern societies.
Career at the Nigerian Law School
Dr Odusote joined the Nigerian Law School in 2001 as a lecturer, beginning a long and distinguished career within the institution. Over more than two decades, she rose through the ranks to hold several significant positions, demonstrating both academic rigour and leadership capacity.
Her major roles included Head of the Academic Department, Director of Academics and Head of Campus, before becoming Deputy Director‑General and Head of the Lagos Campus, where she served immediately prior to her appointment as Director‑General. These roles involved responsibility for curriculum oversight, academic standards and campus administration across different branches of the Law School.
Dr Odusote has also engaged with the international academic community. She served as a visiting scholar at Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom, an experience that broadened her exposure to comparative legal education and institutional frameworks.
Throughout her career, she has contributed to legal scholarship with publications in reputable local and international law journals. She has also presented papers at recognised legal education conferences, adding to professional discourse on legal training and policy.
In addition to her academic work, Dr Odusote has served on committees of the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Bar Association, playing a role in shaping national standards for legal education and professional development.
Historic Appointment and Responsibilities
Dr Odusote’s appointment as Director‑General was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in early January 2026. The decision was announced in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and specified that the appointment would be effective from 10 January 2026 for a four‑year term.
She succeeds Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, whose tenure concluded on 9 January 2026 after eight years in office. With her appointment, Dr Odusote becomes the first woman to lead the Nigerian Law School in its 64‑year history, an achievement widely regarded as a historic milestone for the institution and for women in the legal profession.
In her capacity as Director‑General Dr Odusote is tasked with overall academic leadership and strategic direction for the Law School across all its campuses. This role includes the administration of academic programmes, coordination of administrative functions and oversight of institutional planning.
She also serves as the principal liaison between the Nigerian Law School and key legal institutions, including the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers and the Nigerian Bar Association. These functions are critical to ensuring that professional training remains aligned with statutory requirements and the evolving needs of Nigeria’s legal system.
Reception and Significance
The appointment has been widely acknowledged within Nigeria’s legal and educational communities. Reactions from professional bodies, government officials and stakeholders in legal education have characterised the development as historic and inspiring.
The Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum celebrated Dr Odusote’s appointment as a defining moment for women in the legal profession, noting that her elevation to this role represents a significant step in dismantling long‑standing gender barriers within national institutions.
Similarly, the Ekiti State Government and the leadership of Obafemi Awolowo University issued statements of congratulations, affirming her credentials and expressing confidence in her leadership. These endorsements reflect broad support for her new role and recognition of her professional accomplishments.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Dr Odusote’s appointment carries implications beyond the immediate duties of her office. As the first female leader of the Nigerian Law School, her tenure is expected to inspire future generations of legal professionals, especially women aspiring to leadership roles within law and academia.
Her leadership may also contribute to ongoing debates about the quality of legal education in Nigeria, the need for innovation, and the role of institutional leaders in shaping inclusive and forward‑looking professional training.
The Nigerian Law School remains a pivotal institution in the nation’s legal ecosystem, responsible for preparing graduates for admission to the Bar. Its Director‑General therefore plays a central role in steering the future of legal practice and standards in Nigeria.
Dr Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote’s appointment as Director‑General of the Nigerian Law School marks a historic achievement for the institution and for gender representation in leadership. With extensive experience in legal education, academic administration and scholarly contribution, she brings a depth of expertise to her new role. Her ascendancy to the highest office of the Nigerian Law School reflects both her personal professional journey and a broader evolution in opportunities for women within Nigeria’s legal landscape.
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Author’s Note
This article presents Dr Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote’s appointment as the first female Director‑General of the Nigerian Law School. Dr Odusote’s elevation not only breaks a six‑decade leadership tradition but also signals a meaningful moment for women in legal education. Her career trajectory and new role underscore the importance of experience, scholarship and institutional leadership in shaping the future of legal training in Nigeria.
References
- Tinubu appoints first female Director‑General of Nigerian Law School, TheStar
- Nigerian Law School gets first female Director‑General, Business Post Nigeria
- Tinubu names Odusote first female DG of Nigerian Law School, Independent Newspaper Nigeria
- NBA Women Forum celebrates Odusote as first female law school DG, Punch
- OAU hails Tinubu’s appointment of Odusote as first female law school DG, Obafemi Awolowo University.
