Tinubu Appoints First Female Director-General of Nigerian Law School

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Olugbemisola Odusote as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, making history as the first woman to lead the institution since its establishment in 1962.

The appointment, which takes effect from January 10, 2026, is for a four-year term, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

Dr Odusote, 54, is currently the Deputy Director-General and Head of the Lagos Campus of the Nigerian Law School. She will succeed Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, whose tenure expires on January 9, 2026, after eight years of service.

Academic and Professional Background

Dr Odusote obtained her LL.B. degree from Obafemi Awolowo University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. She also holds an LL.M. degree from the same institution, with a specialisation in Company and Commercial Law.

She later earned a PhD in Law from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, where her research focused on Public Law and the administration of justice.

Career at the Nigerian Law School

Dr Odusote joined the Nigerian Law School in 2001 as a lecturer and has since served in several key leadership roles, including:

• Head of the Academic Department
• Director of Academics
• Head of Campus

She also served briefly as a visiting scholar at Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom.

Role as Director-General

As Director-General, Dr Odusote will oversee the overall academic leadership, administrative management, and strategic direction of the Nigerian Law School across all campuses nationwide.

She will also serve as the primary liaison 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 significant milestone for gender inclusion and leadership advancement within Nigeria’s legal education system.