Excitement has enveloped the legal industry following the appointment of Dr. Gbemisola Titilayo Odusote as the new Director-General of the elite Nigerian Law School.

A stickler for discipline and excellence, Odusote was recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the first female Director-General of the 63-year-old school.

Opening the floodgate of congratulatory messages, the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, thanked Tinubu “for finding the Ado-Ekiti-born lawyer, scholar and administrator worthy of the appointment, which made her the first female to occupy the exalted position.”

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the appointment as “historic, symbolic, and deeply inspiring. It is a defining moment not only for the Nigerian Law School and the legal profession, but also for Nigerian women and girls across the country. It reinforces the powerful message that this is truly Women O’Clock in Nigeria.”

Several Bar Leaders have also hailed the appointment of Odusote as an excellent fit, adding that she rose through the ranks by commitment to excellence and dint of hard work.

A first class scholar who is both feared and admired by Nigerian Law School students for her no-nonsense attitude, Odusote is expected to infuse her knack for excellence and discipline in the running of the elite school.

Below are some of the trending congratulatory messages curated by CITY LAWYER.

Oyebanji congratulates Odusote on appointment as Nigerian Law School DG

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated Dr Gbemisola Titilayo Odusote on her appointment as the Director General of the Nigerian Law School by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Governor also thanked the President for finding the Ado-Ekiti-born lawyer, scholar and administrator worthy of the appointment, which made her the first female to occupy the exalted position.

Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said he has absolute confidence in Dr Odusote’s ability to excel on the new assignment, as she had done in previous assignments.

He described the new Director General of the Nigerian Law School as a distinguished scholar and a seasoned administrator with proven integrity and great accomplishments in academia.

He urged Dr Odusote to bring her wealth of experience and expertise to bear on the new assignment, especially at this critical period.

Governor Oyebanji also urged the new Director General to continue to exhibit a high level of integrity, dedication, loyalty, courage and excellence- virtues for which Ekitis are known, and which had shaped her career growth, assuring her of the support of the Government and people of Ekiti State.

“Hearty congratulations to another daughter of the Land of Honour, Dr Gbemisola Titilayo Odusote, on her elevation as Director General of the Nigerian Law School. The Government and good people of Ekiti State wish her success and God’s guidance in the new assignment.

“Our Special thanks to the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for finding her deserving of the elevation. Dr Odusote’s appointment is another evidence of the President’s unrivalled ability to go for talented and competent hands in his bid to fill strategic positions,” the statement added.

Women Affairs Minister Thanks Tinubu for Appointing Odusote as Nigerian Law School DG

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has congratulated Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote on her historic appointment as the first female Director-General of the Nigerian Law School since its establishment in 1962.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister described the appointment, made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a landmark achievement for the legal profession and a significant milestone for women’s leadership in Nigeria.

Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim also expressed profound appreciation to Tinubu for what she described as a bold, visionary and inspiring decision that reinforces women’s inclusion in national development.

She noted that the appointment reflects the President’s clear commitment to merit, equity, and the deliberate opening of strategic national institutions to capable Nigerian women in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This appointment is historic, symbolic, and deeply inspiring. It is a defining moment not only for the Nigerian Law School and the legal profession, but also for Nigerian women and girls across the country. It reinforces the powerful message that this is truly Women O’Clock in Nigeria,” the Minister stated.

She described Odusote as a distinguished scholar, seasoned administrator, and accomplished institutional leader, noting that her decades of service, academic excellence, and progressive leadership within the Nigerian Law School have fully prepared her for the role.

The Minister expressed strong confidence that Odusote’s tenure will usher in a new era of strengthened legal education, institutional innovation, ethical leadership, and enhanced global competitiveness across all campuses of the Nigerian Law School.

NBA Women Forum Congratulates Dr. Olugbemisola Odusote on Historic Appointment as First Female Director-General of Nigerian Law School

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION WOMEN FORUM (NBAWF)

The NBAWF warmly congratulates Dr. Olugbemisola Odusote on her historic appointment as the first female Director-General of the Nigerian Law School.

This landmark achievement marks a defining moment in the history of legal education in Nigeria and represents a significant win for women at the Bar and in the legal profession at large. Dr. Odusote’s appointment is a powerful testament to the fact that excellence, dedication, and competence can indeed dismantle long standing gender barriers.

As the first woman to occupy this esteemed office, Dr. Odusote has not only made history but has also opened doors of possibility for countless female lawyers and aspiring law students across the country. Her emergence reinforces hope, inspires ambition, and strengthens the call for greater inclusion of women in leadership positions within the legal ecosystem.

The NBAWF is confident that her tenure will bring renewed vision, integrity, and progressive reforms that will further strengthen the Nigerian Law School and the legal profession.

We celebrate this well deserved milestone and wish Dr. Odusote a successful, impactful, and legacy defining tenure.

Once again, congratulations on this historic feat. It is truly a victory for women in law.

Signed:
Huwaila Muhammad
Chairperson, NBAWF

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR HISTORICAL APPOINTMENT

Dear Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote,

I warmly congratulate you on your historical and well-deserved appointment as the first female Director General of the Nigerian Law School. This remarkable achievement is a testament to your exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to the advancement of legal education in Nigeria.

Your trailblazing new role will, indeed, inspire many, as with your previous offices, and I am confident that you will lead with integrity and vision.

I am very proud of you and grateful to be associated with you. I wish you immense success in this new chapter of your career and I pray that God will continue to order your steps.

Congratulations, once again, Doc!

TREASUREDCONNECTIONS

Best regards,
ESTHER IFEOMA JIMOH Esq.
ACIS (UK), ACIArb (UK), SEMP LL.M (MSBM UK), ABR
Notary Public
Principal Counsel, Estelle Attorneys & Legal Consult
Vice Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch (2023-2025)
Governing Council Member, NBAWF
Member, NBA Constitution Review Committee
Treasurer, FIDA Nigeria-lkeja Branch

Barth Aniche Okoye, Esq., immediate past Publicity Secretary of the NBA Eastern Bar Forum, warmly felicitates Dr. Gbemisola Odusote on her historic appointment as the first female Director-General of the Nigerian Law School.

He hailed the achievement as a defining moment for gender inclusion and professional excellence in the Nigerian legal profession.

“Dr. Odusote’s rise to this prestigious office is a powerful testament that competence, vision, and dedication know no gender.

Her leadership will inspire a generation of young women lawyers to break barriers and redefine what is possible in the legal profession,” Okoye affirmed.

He emphasized that her appointment signals progress for the Bar, celebrates meritocracy, and reinforces the principle that excellence and integrity are the ultimate credentials, promising a future where women occupy leadership roles at all levels of the legal system.

Congratulations Dr.

HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. O.T.O. ON HER APPOINTMENT AS THE FIRST FEMALE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL

I extend my warmest and most heartfelt congratulations to Dr Mrs Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote on her historic appointment as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commamder-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This well-deserved appointment, which makes her the first woman to lead the Nigerian Law School since its establishment in 1962, is both inspiring and richly merited.

Having had the privilege of working under her for over a decade at the Lagos Campus, when she served as my Head of Department in Property Law Practice, I can attest, without reservation, to her uncommon diligence, firmness of purpose, and deep commitment to excellence. She is a teacher who leads from the front, an administrator who combines discipline with humanity, and a scholar whose passion for legal education is both evident and contagious.

As Coordinator of Property Law Practice across the entire Nigerian Law School, and later as Deputy Director-General and Head of the Lagos Campus, Dr Odusote discharged her responsibilities with exceptional zeal, clarity of vision, and personal sacrifice.

Even amidst the pressures of high office and acute staff shortages, she remained consistently present in the classroom: teaching, mentoring, and sustaining academic standards by sheer dedication. Her selfless commitment ensured that students never felt the impact of those challenges, a testament to her rare work ethic and sense of duty.

This appointment is therefore not only a personal milestone; it is a triumph for the Nigerian Law School and for legal education in Nigeria. I am confident that, under her leadership, the institution will attain even greater heights in academic rigor, administrative efficiency, and national and international relevance.

I pray that the Almighty grants Dr Mrs Gbemi Titi Odusote (DR O.T.O., as I fondly call her) wisdom, strength, sound health, and grace for a most successful, impactful, and legacy-defining tenure as Director-General. May her leadership bring renewed vigor to the School and enduring benefits to the legal profession.

Once again, heartfelt congratulations, Ma.

I also respectfully seize this opportunity to congratulate the outgoing Director-General, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, Life Bencher, on the successful completion of his second four-year tenure as Director-General of the Nigerian Law School. His eight years of service were marked by stability, institutional consolidation, and sustained commitment to the core values of legal education and professional discipline. The Law School remains indebted to him for his stewardship, experience, and enduring contributions to the development of legal education in Nigeria.

Respectfully,
Sylvester Udemezue
Lecturer, Nigerian Law School.
(06 January 2026)

PRIDE OF NBA LAGOS BRANCH: MOSHOOD ABIOLA CONGRATULATES DR. OLUGBEMISOLA ODUSOTE ON HER HISTORIC APPOINTMENT

I warmly congratulate Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote on her historic and well-deserved appointment as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, becoming the first woman to occupy this exalted position since the institution was established in 1962.

As a distinguished member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch, Dr. Odusote’s elevation is a source of immense pride to me and indeed to members of our Branch. Her appointment reflects her years of dedication, academic excellence, and outstanding contributions to legal education and the development of the legal profession in Nigeria.

Dr. Odusote has consistently shown goodwill and support to the programmes and events of the NBA Lagos Branch, including initiatives aimed at promoting professional standards and strengthening the rule of law. Her engagement with the Branch and encouragement of its activities have always been deeply appreciated.

I join the NBA Lagos Branch and its members in congratulating Dr. Odusote on this remarkable achievement and in celebrating this important milestone in her illustrious career. I am confident that her tenure as Director-General will further enhance the quality, integrity, and global standing of the Nigerian Law School.

I wish her a most successful and impactful tenure in this national assignment.

Moshood Abiola
Chairman,
Taskforce on Illegal Practice of Law,
NBA Lagos Branch(2025-Present)
Co-opted Executive Committee Member (2023–2025)
Ex-Officio Member (2021–2023)
Secretary (2019–2021)
Publicity Secretary (2017–2019)

Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, Congratulates Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote on Her Appointment as the First Female Director General of the Nigerian Law School

I heartily congratulate Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote on her historic appointment as the first female Director General of the Nigerian Law School.

This landmark appointment, approved by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is not only a well deserved recognition of Dr. Odusote’s distinguished career in legal education and administration, but also a powerful affirmation of competence, merit, and steady institutional service.

Having risen through the ranks from lecturer to Deputy Director General, and Head of Campus, Dr. Odusote embodies continuity, depth of experience, and an intimate understanding of the Law School’s mandate in shaping the future of the Nigerian Bar.

Her scholarly contributions, administrative leadership, and commitment to academic excellence inspire confidence at a time when legal education must continually evolve to meet global and local demands.

I am confident that under her leadership, the Nigerian Law School will strengthen its academic standards, institutional integrity, and strategic relevance, while nurturing the next generation of lawyers with discipline, skill, and ethical clarity.

On behalf of colleagues, mentees, and members of the Bar who value progress anchored in excellence, I wish Dr. Odusote a successful and impactful tenure.

Congratulations, and best wishes in this historic assignment.

Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN
Life Bencher FCIMC
Past General Secretary Nigerian Bar Association.

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO DR. OLUGBMISOLA ODUSOTE

Congratulations to Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote on her well-deserved appointment as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

This historic appointment, the first of its kind for a woman, reflects her outstanding merit, competence, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

I wish her a successful and impactful tenure in advancing legal education and the Nigerian legal profession.

Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN
Former Chairman, NBA Lagos

A BIG WIN FOR GENDER EQUITY

Another Big Win for #GenderEquity Congratulations to Dr. Gbemisola Odusote, the first female DG of the

@NigerianLawSch in its 63-year existence. A historic milestone. A powerful message. A win for inclusion and progress. An inspiration to generations of women leaders.

• Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb

OAU Hails Tinubu’s Appointment of Odusote as First Female Law School DG

The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has expressed profound delight at the appointment of one of its illustrious alumnae, Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote, as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, describing the development as a historic milestone and a ringing affirmation of the University’s enduring leadership in legal education and national service.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved Odusote’s appointment, which takes effect from January 10, 2026, for a four-year term, making her the first woman to head the Nigerian Law School since its establishment in 1962. She succeeds Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, whose tenure expires on January 9, 2026.

Reacting to the news, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, said the appointment had once again projected the University as a foremost nursery of excellence, character and leadership, whose products continue to shape policy, institutions and national development across generations.

“This appointment is not only a personal triumph for Dr. Odusote; it is a collective pride for the Great Ife family,” Bamire said. “It affirms, in the most resounding manner, the depth, rigour and global competitiveness of Obafemi Awolowo University’s academic tradition, particularly in the discipline of law. We are immensely proud that the first female Director-General of the Nigerian Law School is a thoroughbred product of Great Ife.”

The Vice-Chancellor described Odusote as a worthy ambassador of the University’s founding philosophy of excellence, integrity and service to humanity, noting that her career trajectory reflects the strong intellectual foundation and values instilled by OAU’s faculty.

Dr. Odusote obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree from Obafemi Awolowo University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. She also earned her LL.M from the same institution, specialising in company and commercial law, before proceeding to the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, where she obtained a PhD in Law, with research interests in Public Law and the administration of justice.

She joined the Nigerian Law School in 2001 as a lecturer and steadily rose through the ranks, serving in various strategic capacities, including Head of Academic Department, Director of Academics and Head of Campus. Until her appointment, she was the Deputy Director-General and Head of the Lagos Campus. She has also been a visiting scholar at Nottingham Trent University in the UK, published extensively in reputable local and international journals, and presented scholarly papers at numerous legal education conferences.

Professor Bamire further lauded her scholarly depth, administrative acumen and steady leadership, describing her as “a fine blend of intellectual sophistication, institutional memory and reform-minded leadership.”

Dr. Odusote typifies the Great Ife spirit – cerebral, courageous and committed to excellence,” the Vice-Chancellor added. “Her emergence at the apex of legal education administration in Nigeria sends a powerful signal to our students, especially young women, that there are no ceilings to aspiration when discipline, competence and integrity are brought to bear.”

The University management noted that her appointment reinforces OAU’s reputation as a leading contributor to the Nigerian legal ecosystem, having produced eminent jurists, scholars, advocates, judges and policy thinkers who have distinguished themselves locally and globally.

As Director-General, Odusote will provide overall academic and administrative leadership for the Nigerian Law School and steer its strategic direction across all campuses, while serving as the principal liaison with the Council of Legal Education, the Body of Benchers and the Nigerian Bar Association.

For the Great Ife community, the appointment is being celebrated not merely as a personal milestone, but as yet another chapter in the University’s enduring story of producing pathfinders who illuminate institutions and elevate the nation.

A HISTORIC MILESTONE!

Congratulations, Dr. Olugbemisola Odusote your appointment as the first female Director-General of the Nigerian Law School. This historic and remarkable achievement is a reflection of your dedication and years of distinguished service to legal education.

Your appointment has not only broken the proverbial “glass ceiling”, but has also expanded the possibilities for future leaders and set a powerful example for young professionals, especially women in academia,who aspire to serve at the highest levels.

I firmly believe that this appointment will pave the way for continued progress and inspire confidence in what dedication and merit can achieve.

Congratulations once again, and I wish you a successful and impactful tenure.

Osato Uwagboe

Secretary, NBA Administration of Criminal Justice Committee