Meet Nigerian Professor Appointed Dean at Canadian University

Nigerian-born law professor, Dr Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu, has been appointed dean of the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, for a five-year term beginning October 1, 2026.

Odumosu-Ayanu, who is currently the college’s associate dean of research and graduate studies, has been a member of the University of Saskatchewan College of Law since 2008.

The university announced her appointment on Tuesday, September 1, through a statement on its website by Patti McDougall, interim provost and vice-president, academic and chair of the search committee for the new dean.

“Dr. Odumosu-Ayanu’s appointment as dean reflects a distinguished record of academic excellence, collaborative leadership, and dedication to advancing research and graduate education,” McDougall stated.

“Her work as dean will continue to 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.”

Odumosu-Ayanu will succeed Martin Phillipson, who completed two five-year terms as dean and began administrative leave on July 1.

From Lagos to Canada

According to an article on the college website, Odumosu-Ayanu grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where she developed an early interest in reading and writing.

Although she initially considered pursuing communications, encouragement from her teachers and support from her parents led her towards law.

By the end of secondary school, she had decided to study law and enrolled at the University of Lagos, where she earned her Bachelor of Laws degree.

She later moved to Canada to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Calgary, drawn by its research strengths in natural resources, energy and environmental law.

“Since I started law school, I always knew that I wanted to do a master’s and to do one abroad. But I always thought I would go to England.”

She had initially planned to return to Nigeria after completing her master’s degree and work as a lawyer. Instead, she continued her academic journey by pursuing a PhD at the University of British Columbia.

After completing her PhD, Odumosu-Ayanu began considering a career in academia and interviewed for academic positions.

She moved to Saskatchewan in 2008 to join the College of Law. A mentor at the University of British Columbia who grew up in Saskatoon had advised her to prepare for the Canadian winter.

Source: ghanaweb.com