LAGOS, Nigeria — Professor Adejoke Oyewunmi has officially assumed office as the 20th Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), becoming the third woman to occupy the prestigious position in the institution’s history.
Her appointment marks another significant milestone for the Faculty of Law, one of Nigeria’s leading centres for legal education, as the university continues to promote academic excellence, research and inclusive leadership within the nation’s higher education sector.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Professor Oyewunmi expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in her by the university community and pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessors. She said her administration would focus on strengthening academic standards, expanding research opportunities and preparing law graduates to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving legal profession.
According to the new dean, legal education must continue to adapt to changing realities, including technological advancement, globalisation and emerging areas of legal practice. She noted that the legal profession is undergoing significant transformation and stressed the need for students to acquire practical skills alongside academic knowledge.
Professor Oyewunmi said her vision includes improving collaboration with the Nigerian Bar, the judiciary, regulatory institutions and international academic partners to provide students and lecturers with broader opportunities for professional development, research and exchange programmes.
She also highlighted the importance of innovation in teaching methods, digital learning resources and curriculum development, adding that the Faculty of Law would continue to embrace reforms capable of producing graduates who are globally competitive and ethically grounded.
The new dean reaffirmed her commitment to creating an environment that supports academic excellence, staff development and student welfare. She pledged to encourage mentorship programmes, strengthen postgraduate studies and promote interdisciplinary research that addresses contemporary legal and societal challenges.
University officials congratulated Professor Oyewunmi on her appointment, describing her as a distinguished academic with years of teaching, research and administrative experience. They expressed confidence that her leadership would further enhance the reputation of the Faculty of Law both nationally and internationally.
Members of the university community also welcomed her emergence, noting that her appointment reflects the institution’s commitment to recognising competence, merit and leadership regardless of gender. As the third woman to lead the faculty, her appointment is expected to inspire more female academics to aspire to leadership positions within Nigerian universities.
Observers believe the Faculty of Law will continue to play a vital role in producing legal practitioners, judges, policymakers and scholars who contribute meaningfully to the administration of justice and national development. They noted that the faculty has maintained a strong reputation for academic excellence over the years and is expected to build on that legacy under its new leadership.
Professor Oyewunmi further assured students and staff that her administration would maintain an open-door policy, encourage constructive engagement and prioritise initiatives that improve teaching, learning and research. She said collaboration among lecturers, students, alumni and other stakeholders would be essential in achieving the faculty’s long-term goals.
As she begins her tenure, expectations remain high that Professor Oyewunmi’s leadership will strengthen the Faculty of Law’s standing as one of Nigeria’s foremost legal institutions while positioning it to respond effectively to the changing needs of legal education in the 21st century.
