Nigerian-born law professor, Dr. Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu, has been appointed Dean of the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Odumosu-Ayanu, who currently serves as the college’s Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, will assume the new position on October 1, 2026, for a five-year term.
The University of Saskatchewan announced her appointment in a statement issued by Patti McDougall, interim provost and vice-president, academic, and chair of the search committee for the new dean.
McDougall described Odumosu-Ayanu as an accomplished academic whose appointment reflects her record of excellence, collaborative leadership and commitment to research and graduate education.
“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 said.
“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 succeed Martin Phillipson, who served two five-year terms as dean before beginning administrative leave on July 1.
According to a profile published by the College of Law, Odumosu-Ayanu grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where she developed an early passion for reading and writing.
Although she initially considered studying communications, encouragement from her teachers and support from her parents influenced her decision to pursue a career in law.
By the end of secondary school, she had chosen law and enrolled at the University of Lagos, where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree.
She subsequently moved to Canada to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Calgary, attracted by the institution’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,” she recalled.
Odumosu-Ayanu had initially planned to return to Nigeria after completing her master’s degree and practise as a lawyer. However, she continued her academic career by pursuing a PhD at the University of British Columbia.
She said obtaining a doctorate was not part of her original plans.
After completing her PhD, she began considering a career in academia and subsequently interviewed for academic positions.
Her academic journey eventually took her to Saskatchewan in 2008, when she joined the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law.
Reflecting on her move to Saskatchewan, Odumosu-Ayanu recalled that a mentor at the University of British Columbia, who had grown up in Saskatoon, advised her to prepare for the Canadian winter.
Since joining the University of Saskatchewan, she has built a career spanning teaching, research and academic leadership, culminating in her appointment as Dean of the College of Law.
