Nigeria’s apex legal training institution has entered a new phase of leadership following the formal handover of authority at the Nigerian Law School, where Dr Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote assumed office as Director-General.
The transition ceremony, held on Monday at the Nigerian Law School headquarters in Abuja, marked the end of the tenure of Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, and the beginning of what officials described as a continuity-driven but forward-looking administration.
Dr Odusote becomes the 10th Director General of the Nigerian Law School, taking over an institution that plays a central role in shaping Nigeria’s legal profession and regulating access to the Bar.
Speaking during the handover, Chiroma praised the management and staff of the Law School for their cooperation throughout his administration, attributing much of his tenure’s success to institutional teamwork and shared commitment to reform.
He expressed confidence in Odusote’s leadership, describing her as well-equipped to guide the institution through its next phase. Chiroma pledged continued support to his successor, saying he remained available to offer advice and guidance in the interest of the Law School.
“There is no doubt that Dr Odusote will pilot the affairs of the Nigerian Law School to even greater heights,” he said.
The ceremony included the formal and symbolic transfer of official documents and responsibilities, underscoring the completion of the leadership transition.
In her acceptance remarks, Odusote thanked God for the opportunity to serve and paid tribute to Chiroma’s eight-year tenure, which she described as transformative and foundational to the institution’s growth.
She commended her predecessor’s achievements, noting that his administration laid a solid framework for excellence, stability and institutional reform. Odusote also acknowledged his mentorship and guidance, as well as the cooperation of the Law School’s management and staff.
She pledged to uphold the traditions and standards of the Nigerian Law School while consolidating on existing reforms and advancing the mandate of the Council of Legal Education.
“I am fully committed to giving my very best in advancing the ideals of this institution and building on the achievements already recorded,” she said.
Delivering closing remarks on behalf of the management and staff, the Secretary to the Council and Director of Administration, Ms A.O. Osho, praised Chiroma’s leadership and service, describing his tenure as exemplary and impactful. She assured the new Director General of the full support and cooperation of the Council and management.
Following the formal proceedings, Chiroma led Odusote on a guided tour of key facilities and ongoing projects at the Law School’s Abuja headquarters, symbolically passing the baton as the institution begins a new chapter under fresh leadership.
Who is Dr Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote?
Dr Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote is the 10th Director General of the Nigerian Law School and the first woman to hold the position since the institution was established in 1962. She assumed office on January 10, 2026.
A seasoned legal scholar and administrator, Odusote has spent decades in Nigeria’s legal education system, building a reputation for academic rigour, institutional reform and mentorship. Before she was appointed Director General, she served in senior academic and administrative roles within the Nigerian Law School, where she was closely involved in curriculum development, student assessment and regulatory compliance under the Council of Legal Education.
Known for her strong grasp of legal training standards and Bar examination processes, Odusote is widely regarded as an insider with deep institutional memory of the Law School’s operations. Her appointment signals continuity in reforms while raising expectations for modernisation, improved academic standards and stronger governance within Nigeria’s legal training framework.
As Director General, she is expected to consolidate existing reforms, strengthen discipline and professionalism, and guide the Law School through growing demands on legal education in Africa’s most populous country.
