NiDCOM Celebrates Nigerian Law Professor’s Appointment as Canadian University Dean
By Pan Afric Reporters
A Nigerian-born law professor, Dr Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu, has recorded another major milestone in her academic career after being appointed Dean of the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
The Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, September 7, 2026, quoting the Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, as congratulating the professor on the appointment.
Dabiri-Erewa described Odumosu-Ayanu’s appointment as a remarkable achievement and a source of pride for Nigeria and Nigerians in the diaspora, saying it further demonstrated the calibre of Nigerian professionals making significant contributions to global education, research and leadership.
“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.
The NiDCOM boss commended the professor for her contributions to legal scholarship, research and graduate education, noting that her rise from Lagos to a senior leadership position at a Canadian university exemplified the excellence and dedication of Nigerians in the diaspora.
“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 added.
Odumosu-Ayanu will begin 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 following a selection 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 commitment to advancing research and graduate education.
According to the university, her tenure is expected to 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.
Born and raised in Lagos, Odumosu-Ayanu developed an early interest in reading and writing and initially considered studying communications. However, encouragement from her teachers and support from her parents led her to pursue a career in law.
She obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Lagos before relocating to Canada, where she earned a master’s degree from the University of Calgary, attracted by the institution’s research strengths in 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 ultimately led her into 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 the professor’s achievement was further evidence of the significant contributions Nigerians continue to make globally through knowledge, expertise and professional excellence.
She wished Odumosu-Ayanu a successful tenure and urged her to continue serving as an inspiration to young Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
