Meet Nigerian professor appointed dean at Canadian university

Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu, a Nigerian-born law professor who grew up in Lagos, will become dean of the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law in Canada.

The university appointed her to a five-year term beginning Oct. 1, 2026. Odumosu-Ayanu currently serves as the college’s associate dean of research and graduate studies and has taught there since joining the faculty in 2008.

Patti McDougall, the university’s interim provost and vice-president academic, said the appointment recognized Odumosu-Ayanu’s academic record, collaborative leadership and commitment to research and graduate education. She will succeed Martin Phillipson, who completed two five-year terms as dean and began administrative leave on July 1.

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Dr. Odumosu-Ayanu’s appointment as dean reflects a distinguished record of academic excellence, collaborative leadership, and dedication to advancing research and graduate education.

Odumosu-Ayanu developed an early interest in reading and writing in Lagos. She initially considered communications but chose law after encouragement from teachers and support from her parents. She earned her Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Lagos before moving to Canada for a master’s degree at the University of Calgary, where she focused on the university’s strengths in natural resources, energy and environmental law.

She had planned to return to Nigeria and work as a lawyer, but continued her studies with a PhD at the University of British Columbia. After considering academia, she interviewed for university positions and moved to Saskatchewan in 2008. A mentor from British Columbia who had grown up in Saskatoon advised her to prepare for the Canadian winter.

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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.