The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. (Dr) 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.
Dabiri-Erewa described the appointment as a remarkable achievement and a source of pride for Nigeria and Nigerians in the diaspora.
This was contained in a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at NiDCOM, on Monday.
The NiDCOM boss said the appointment further reflected the quality and global contributions of Nigerian professionals in education, research and leadership.
She commended Odumosu-Ayanu for her outstanding academic career and contributions to legal scholarship, research and graduate education.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, the professor’s journey from Lagos to a senior academic leadership position at a leading Canadian university exemplifies the excellence, dedication and resilience 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,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
“Her journey from Lagos to the University of Saskatchewan reflects years of scholarship, dedication and leadership.
“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.”
Odumosu-Ayanu is expected to 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 search process chaired by Patti McDougall, Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic.
According to the university, Odumosu-Ayanu was selected in recognition of her distinguished academic record, collaborative leadership and commitment to advancing research and graduate education.
Her tenure is also expected to build on the College of Law’s reputation 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, Nigeria, Odumosu-Ayanu developed an early interest in reading and writing before eventually pursuing 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 at the University of Calgary.
She later obtained a PhD from the University of British Columbia and subsequently pursued a career in teaching and research.
Odumosu-Ayanu joined the University of Saskatchewan College of Law in 2008 and has since built an impressive academic career at the institution.
She currently serves as Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies.
Dabiri-Erewa said the appointment was another demonstration of the impact Nigerians continue to make globally through knowledge, professional expertise and excellence.
She wished Odumosu-Ayanu a successful tenure and urged her to continue inspiring young Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.