By Sabiu Abdullahi
Nigerian-born legal scholar, Dr. Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu, has been appointed dean of the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada.
She will serve a five-year term that begins on October 1, 2026.
Odumosu-Ayanu currently serves as the college’s associate dean of research and graduate studies. She joined the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law in 2008.
The university announced her appointment on September 1 in a statement issued by Patti McDougall, interim provost and vice-president, academic, who also chaired the search committee for the new dean.
McDougall praised Odumosu-Ayanu’s academic record and leadership qualities.
“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 take over from Martin Phillipson, who served two five-year terms as dean before proceeding on administrative leave on July 1.
FROM LAGOS TO CANADA
Odumosu-Ayanu was raised in Lagos, where she developed an interest in reading and writing from an early age.
She initially considered a career in communications. However, encouragement from her teachers and support from her parents influenced her decision to study law.
She subsequently enrolled at the University of Lagos, where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree.
Her academic career later took her to Canada, where she pursued a master’s degree at the University of Calgary. Her choice was influenced by the university’s 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.”
Odumosu-Ayanu initially intended to return to Nigeria after completing her master’s degree and practise as a lawyer. However, she continued her education with a PhD programme at the University of British Columbia.
She said a doctorate was not part of her original plan.
After obtaining her PhD, she began to consider a career in academia and applied for academic positions.
Her academic journey eventually took her to Saskatchewan in 2008, where she joined the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law.
Before her move, a mentor at the University of British Columbia, who was raised in Saskatoon, had advised her to prepare for the harsh Canadian winter.
