NIDCOM Excited As Nigerian Professor Appointed Law Dean In Canadian University

The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Nigerian-born law professor, Dr Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu, on her appointment as Dean of the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Odumosu-Ayanu’s appointment, which takes effect on October 1, 2026, mark another milestone in her distinguished academic career and has been described by NiDCOM as a source of pride for Nigeria and Nigerians in the diaspora.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa said the appointment was further evidence of the calibre of Nigerian professionals making significant contributions to global education, research and leadership.

She commended Odumosu-Ayanu for her achievements in 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,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

“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,” the NIDCOM boss added.

Odumosu-Ayanu will succeed Professor Martin Phillipson, who completed two five-year terms as Dean. The university announced her appointment on September 1, 2026, following a selection process chaired by Patti McDougall, Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic.

McDougall described the new dean as an academic with a distinguished record of excellence, collaborative leadership and commitment to advancing research and graduate education.

The university said her tenure would build on the College of Law’s reputation for excellence in legal education and research, while strengthening its leadership in Indigenous legal scholarship and engagement with local and global communities.

Odumosu-Ayanu  was born in Lagos where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Lagos before proceeding to Canada, where she earned a master’s degree from the University of Calgary, with a focus on natural resources, energy and environmental law.

She later obtained a PhD from the University of British Columbia. Although she initially intended to return to Nigeria after her master’s degree to practise law, her academic journey eventually led her into teaching and research.

Odumosu-Ayanu joined the University Of Saskatchewan College Of Law in 2008 and has since risen through the ranks. She currently serves as Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies.

Dabiri-Erewa said the professor’s achievement demonstrated the significant contributions Nigerians continue to make globally through knowledge, expertise and professional excellence.