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From University of Lagos to Canadian Dean: Nigerian Scholar Appointed Law Dean at USask

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2 months ago

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Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu

From University of Lagos to Canadian Dean: Nigerian Scholar Appointed Law Dean at USask

The University of Saskatchewan College of Law in Canada has appointed Nigerian-born legal scholar Dr. Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu as its new dean for a five-year term beginning October 1, 2026. She succeeds Martin Phillipson, who completed two five-year terms as dean and began administrative leave on July 1, 2026. The appointment was announced by Patti McDougall, interim provost and vice-president, academic at the University of Saskatchewan, who also chaired the search committee for the new dean. McDougall praised Odumosu-Ayanu’s academic record and leadership qualities, stating: “Dr. Odumosu-Ayanu’s appointment as dean reflects a distinguished record of academic excellence, collaborative leadership, and dedication to advancing research and graduate education. 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 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 (UNILAG), where she earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) 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. She obtained her LLM from the University of Calgary in 2005. Reflecting on this decision, she noted: “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 academic journey by pursuing a PhD at the University of British Columbia, which she completed in 2010. She said a doctorate was not part of her original plan, but she eventually embraced the academic path.

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Odumosu-Ayanu joined the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law in 2008 as an assistant professor and has been a member of the faculty since then. Before her appointment as dean, she served as associate dean for research and graduate studies at the college, a position she assumed on July 1, 2025. Prior to joining USask, she was a sessional lecturer at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Law and at the Canadian Institute of Resources Law in Calgary. She is also a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Before Odumosu-Ayanu assumes office, Professor Doug Surtees, who has been serving as interim dean since July 1, 2026, will continue in the position until September 30. Surtees was appointed interim dean to provide stable leadership during the transition as the search for the next dean continued.

Odumosu-Ayanu is internationally recognised for her research focusing on business and human rights, as well as the intersections of natural resource development, international law on foreign investment, and socio-economic development. Her current research interests focus on local communities and Indigenous peoples and their interactions with legal systems. A recipient of several competitive research grants, including grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) , her research has been published in several leading international journals and books. She has coedited books and journal issues, including the 2025 volume Contested Consultations in the Extractive Industries: Rights, Processes and Tensions published by Routledge. She has spoken at numerous international conferences across several continents, delivered invited lectures at leading universities, and co-convened workshops and conferences with leading experts. Her recent publications include “Local Communities, Indigenous Peoples, and Reform/Re-Definition of International Investment Law” in the Journal of World Investment and Trade (2023) and contributions to the Oxford University Press volume Rethinking Investment Law: Perspectives and Prospects.

Beyond her research contributions, Odumosu-Ayanu has developed a strong record in teaching and mentorship, regularly supervising graduate students in law and interdisciplinary programmes. She teaches Contracts, Business Organizations I, Law Development and the International System, and Advanced Law Development and the International System. Her contributions to student support and teaching have earned her several recognitions, including the Provost’s College Award for Outstanding Teaching in 2012 and the USask InterD Advisor Award in 2026. She is also a contributor to one of Canada’s leading contracts law casebooks.

Odumosu-Ayanu has been actively involved in academic and community organisations across Saskatchewan and Canada. She has served on the boards of professional associations, academic journals and community organisations, including the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association. She serves or has served on the editorial/advisory boards of the Business and Human Rights Journal, Law and Society Review, Journal of African Law, African Journal of International Economic Law, and the African Yearbook of International Law. She was co-chair of the Midwest Interest Group of the American Society of International Law and a vice president of the Canadian Law and Society Association. She has also served as a consultant for the United Nations University, chair of a SSHRC committee, and reviewer for granting agencies including SSHRC, as well as external examiner and reviewer for publishers, journals and universities including the University of Oxford and the University of Victoria. Her appointment adds her to the growing list of Nigerian academics who have risen to senior leadership positions within Canadian universities, building on an academic career that has spanned legal education and research in both Nigeria and Canada.

From University of Lagos to Canadian Dean: Nigerian Scholar Appointed Law Dean at USask

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Tinubu Scraps Recruitment Waiver Requirement for Federal Universities

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3 days ago

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October 18, 2026

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Tinubu Scraps Recruitment Waiver Requirement for Federal Universities
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Tinubu Scraps Recruitment Waiver Requirement for Federal Universities

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has exempted federal universities from the requirement to obtain recruitment waivers from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) before employing new staff, in a move aimed at strengthening institutional autonomy and easing recruitment bottlenecks in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

Tinubu announced the policy change on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the maiden convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA), in Bauchi State. He was represented at the event by the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono.

The President, who serves as Visitor to all federal universities, said the reform was reflected in recent agreements signed between the Federal Government and university staff unions.

According to him, the decision would empower the Federal Ministry of Education and university governing councils to take responsibility for recruitment decisions and respond more effectively to their institutions’ staffing needs.

“This measure empowers the Federal Ministry of Education and university Governing Councils to discharge their respective responsibilities in staff recruitment, enabling institutions to respond more effectively to their legitimate manpower needs,” Tinubu said.

The removal of the waiver requirement is expected to reduce administrative delays that can hinder universities from filling vacant positions, replacing retiring employees and recruiting additional academic and non-academic personnel.

Under the previous arrangement, federal institutions could be required to obtain clearance from the OHCSF before recruiting new employees. Removing this requirement for federal universities is intended to give university authorities greater flexibility in addressing staffing shortages and managing their operations.

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However, the reform does not mean that universities are exempt from all public-sector recruitment rules or that appointments can be made without appropriate institutional procedures.

Tinubu said the policy formed part of his administration’s broader efforts to strengthen university autonomy, improve personnel management and create a more conducive environment for teaching, research, innovation and service delivery.

The President also disclosed that the Federal Government was working to improve personnel and payroll administration across tertiary institutions by migrating their staff from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

He said the transition was intended to improve payroll efficiency, strengthen transparency and accountability, ensure timely and accurate salary payments, and accommodate the operational peculiarities of universities and other tertiary institutions.

The proposed changes come amid longstanding discussions about the autonomy of Nigerian universities, including their ability to manage staffing, finances and other internal administrative responsibilities.

For universities struggling with shortages of lecturers, researchers, laboratory personnel and other essential workers, the removal of the recruitment waiver requirement could make it easier to respond to vacancies, subject to available funding and applicable recruitment procedures.

Beyond recruitment and payroll reforms, Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in tertiary education infrastructure, research and staff welfare.

He disclosed that FUHSA had received an initial ₦8 billion intervention through TETFund to support its establishment. He said the investment followed lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed weaknesses in Nigeria’s healthcare system and highlighted the need to strengthen medical education and research capacity.

According to the President, further support would be channelled to the university through TETFund’s regular and special interventions, alongside allocations in the 2026 national budget for roads, lecture halls, laboratories and utility vehicles.

Tinubu also announced that ₦10 billion had been provided for the National Research Fund in 2026, urging universities, particularly specialised institutions such as FUHSA, to pursue research that addresses Nigeria’s pressing healthcare challenges.

On staff welfare, he said the Federal Government had signed agreements with academic and non-academic unions covering the payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA), effective January 1, 2026.

He said the agreements recognised the distinct but complementary contributions of teaching and non-teaching personnel to the effective running of tertiary institutions.

Tinubu further disclosed that 1,798 FUHSA students, representing 43 per cent of the institution’s student population, had secured support from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The President congratulated the university’s 50 pioneer graduates and urged them to apply their knowledge and professional skills to improving healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable Nigerians.

He also encouraged FUHSA to strengthen partnerships with international institutions, including the University of Miami, Boston University and Universiti Sains Malaysia, while ensuring that such collaborations translate into measurable improvements in teaching, research and healthcare services.

The recruitment reform is expected to attract attention from university administrators, lecturers, non-academic staff and prospective employees as institutions assess how the new arrangement will affect recruitment timelines and staffing priorities.

Its impact will ultimately depend on how effectively university governing councils and the Federal Ministry of Education implement the policy, alongside adequate funding, transparent recruitment processes and effective oversight.

 

Tinubu Scraps Recruitment Waiver Requirement for Federal Universities

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JAMB Reopens NIN Alignment Window, Gives Candidates One More Chance to Correct Data

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4 days ago

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October 16, 2026

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JAMB Reopens NIN Alignment Window, Gives Candidates One More Chance to Correct Data
JAMB Reopens NIN Alignment Window, Gives Candidates One More Chance to Correct Data

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reopened its National Identification Number (NIN) alignment service, giving eligible candidates another opportunity to correct discrepancies between their examination records and information held by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The examination body announced the development on Friday, October 16, 2026, through its official social media account, urging candidates with mismatched personal details to take advantage of the reopening and ensure their records are consistent.

However, JAMB warned that the opportunity is a one-time exercise and that submitting an application does not guarantee approval. All requests will be subjected to verification before a decision is made.

The board advised candidates to correct any errors in their NIN records through NIMC before applying to align their details with their JAMB profiles.

Applicants were also urged to review their information carefully and select every correction they require in a single submission to avoid mistakes that could affect the outcome of their applications.

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The discrepancies may involve names, dates of birth and other personal information, depending on the fields approved for correction under the service.

JAMB explained that the application procedure, eligible fields, verification requirements and other important details had been outlined in an accompanying episode of its JAMB Explained video series.

Candidates were advised to watch the official guide and follow the prescribed steps before submitting their applications. The board also cautioned against rushing the process or providing incomplete information.

To avoid complications, candidates should first ensure that any approved changes to their NIN records have been fully reflected in the NIMC database before beginning the alignment process with JAMB.

Those who need to update their NIN information can use the NIMC self-service modification portal at https://selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng or visit an authorised NIMC centre, subject to the applicable requirements.

After correcting their NIN details, candidates should follow the application channel and instructions specified in JAMB’s official announcement and accompanying video. They should rely on the board’s official website, https://www.jamb.gov.ng, and its e-Facility portal, https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng, for verified guidance.

The reopening is intended to improve the accuracy and consistency of personal records used in Nigeria’s tertiary admission process, where discrepancies between examination and national identity records can create verification difficulties.

JAMB urged candidates to act carefully, ensure that their information is accurate and wait for official confirmation rather than assume that their applications have been approved.

 

JAMB Reopens NIN Alignment Window, Gives Candidates One More Chance to Correct Data

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Nigerian Universities Producing Certificate Holders, Not Problem-Solvers, Says Ojuolape

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5 days ago

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October 16, 2026

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Nigerian Universities Producing Certificate Holders, Not Problem-Solvers, Says Ojuolape

Public affairs analyst calls for urgent curriculum overhaul, stronger industry partnerships and skills-based education

A public affairs analyst and human capital development advocate, Mr Adesola Adefemi Ojuolape, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s university education system, warning that outdated curricula and excessive emphasis on certificates are leaving many graduates without the practical skills required to compete in the modern labour market.

Ojuolape argued that several academic programmes in Nigerian universities needed urgent reassessment to ensure their relevance to the country’s economic needs, technological advancement and changing employment opportunities.

In a commentary on the state of university education, he expressed concern that the country continued to produce large numbers of graduates without adequately equipping them with the practical knowledge, entrepreneurial abilities and problem-solving skills needed to secure employment or establish sustainable businesses.

According to him, the growing disconnect between university education and the demands of industry has contributed to graduate unemployment, underemployment and frustration among young Nigerians.

He maintained that obtaining a university degree should not be the ultimate objective of education, stressing that graduates must also possess demonstrable skills that enable them to create value, solve practical problems and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Ojuolape said the persistence of outdated teaching methods and curricula had weakened the capacity of some academic programmes to prepare students for the realities of the 21st-century economy, which increasingly depends on technology, innovation, productivity and entrepreneurship.

He called on the Federal Government and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to review existing programmes and identify those requiring modernisation, restructuring, merger or discontinuation.

The analyst also urged universities to strengthen practical training and establish functional skills acquisition centres, technology hubs and entrepreneurship laboratories to complement classroom instruction.

He said universities should build stronger partnerships with industries and employers to ensure that academic programmes reflect current workplace requirements and emerging economic opportunities.

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Ojuolape further challenged university administrators and lecturers to update their knowledge and teaching methods, arguing that the rapid pace of technological change had made continuous professional development essential.

He expressed concern that students could spend several years pursuing degrees without acquiring the practical competencies needed to translate their qualifications into employment, entrepreneurship or other productive ventures.

To illustrate his argument, he compared the conventional four-year university route with the possibility of acquiring marketable technical or digital skills within a shorter period, depending on the field and the learner’s commitment.

He identified software development, data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital marketing, graphic design, renewable energy installation, fashion design, catering, agriculture and other technical trades as areas in which young people could develop commercially useful competencies.

However, he stressed the need for students to make informed educational choices based on their interests, abilities and the practical opportunities available in their chosen fields.

The advocate also called on parents to reconsider the pressure they sometimes place on their children to obtain university admission or pursue particular courses for reasons of family prestige rather than suitability or career prospects.

He advised parents to examine the relevance of academic programmes and the opportunities they offer before committing their resources to university education.

For students, Ojuolape recommended careful consideration of career options, market demands and opportunities for acquiring practical skills, rather than pursuing admission simply to obtain graduate status.

He argued that technical and vocational education should receive greater recognition and investment, noting that skilled workers and entrepreneurs could make significant contributions to economic growth and job creation.

According to him, the ability to solve problems, provide services and create economic value should become a central consideration in evaluating the effectiveness of education.

Ojuolape warned that without substantial reforms, Nigeria risked continuing to produce graduates whose qualifications did not adequately match available employment opportunities or the practical needs of businesses and industries.

He therefore called for a shift from a predominantly certificate-driven system towards one that combines academic knowledge with practical competence, innovation, entrepreneurship and productivity.

While advocating reforms, his position places the responsibility on government, university administrators, lecturers, parents and students to work towards an educational system that prepares young Nigerians for both employment and self-employment.

He maintained that the ultimate measure of a successful education system should include its ability to equip learners with relevant knowledge, practical skills and the capacity to contribute to society.

Ojuolape concluded that Nigerian universities must respond more effectively to changing economic and technological realities if the country hopes to develop a competitive workforce and reduce the growing gap between educational qualifications and employability.

Nigerian Universities Producing Certificate Holders, Not Problem-Solvers, Says Ojuolape

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