- As Olugbemisola Odusote makes history
After 64 years of existence, the Nigerian Law School (NLS) is basking in the euphoria of having the first ever female to take charge of its affairs as Director General.
The history making development follows President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Dr Olugbemisola Odusote as the incoming Director-General of the School.
Mrs Odusote “will become the first woman to lead the institution since its establishment in 1962”, the Presidency said in a statement.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the appointment takes effect from January 10, 2026 and is for an initial four-year term.
The 54-year-old Odusote is currently the Deputy Director-General and Head of the Lagos Campus of the Nigerian Law School and “She will succeed the current Director-General, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, whose tenure expires on January 9, 2026, after eight years of service,” the statement said.
Odusote obtained her LL.B. degree from Obafemi Awolowo University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. She holds an LL.M from the same university, specialising in company and commercial law.
She later obtained a PhD in Law from the University of Surrey, in the United Kingdom, with research interests in Public Law and the administration of justice.
In 2001, Odusote joined the Law School as a Lecturer and has since served in various capacities, including as Head of the Academic Department, Director of Academics, and Head of Campus.
Also, Odusote was a visiting scholar at Nottingham Trent University in the UK for a short time during her career at the Law School.
The statement by the Presidential Aide further said: “As Director-General, Odusote will be responsible for the institution’s overall academic leadership, administrative management, and strategic direction across all campuses.
“She will also serve as the primary liaison between the School, the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers, and the Nigerian Bar Association.”
