Odumosu-Ayanu will serve a five-year term beginning October 1, 2026. She currently serves as associate dean for research and graduate studies and has been part of the College of Law since 2008.
Her appointment places her at the center of one of Canada’s leading law schools. She will also help guide its future work in legal education, research, Indigenous legal scholarship and community engagement.
Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu Takes Leadership at USask Law
The University of Saskatchewan announced Odumosu-Ayanu’s appointment through Patti McDougall, the university’s interim provost and vice-president academic. McDougall also chaired the search committee that selected the new dean.
“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.
Odumosu-Ayanu will succeed Martin Phillipson, who completed two five-year terms as dean. Phillipson began administrative leave on July 1.
Nigerian Professor Brings Years of Legal Scholarship
The new dean has built her career around law, research and teaching. Her work covers business and human rights, international investment law and natural resource governance.
McDougall described her as an internationally recognized scholar who has developed research networks across continents and institutions. Her research also examines foreign investment and natural resource development and how these areas affect local communities.
Her leadership will build on the College of Law’s existing reputation for legal education and research. She is also expected to strengthen its work in Indigenous legal scholarship and its relationships with communities in Canada and around the world.
From Lagos to a Career in Canadian Academia
Odumosu-Ayanu’s journey into law began in Lagos, Nigeria. As a child, she enjoyed reading and writing and often created her own stories.
She initially considered communications as a career. However, she questioned whether it suited her because she described herself as a “quiet child.” With encouragement from teachers and her parents, she chose law instead. She later studied at the University of Lagos and earned her Bachelor of Laws degree.
Her academic journey then took her to Canada. She pursued a master’s degree at the University of Calgary because of its 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 said.
Her Academic Journey Continued Beyond a Master’s Degree
Odumosu-Ayanu originally expected to return to Nigeria after completing her master’s degree. She planned to work as a lawyer. Instead, her interest in research led her further into academia.
She eventually pursued a PhD at the University of British Columbia. She said a doctorate was not part of her original plan. Her love for reading and writing, however, encouraged her to continue her academic path.
“Because I’ve always enjoyed reading and writing, I thought, let’s continue along this path. So, I decided to apply for a PhD,” she said.
After completing her doctorate, she chose to remain in academia. She began applying and interviewing for academic positions before eventually finding her place at the University of Saskatchewan.
Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu Built a Reputation as a Teacher and Mentor
Odumosu-Ayanu joined the University of Saskatchewan College of Law in 2008. She later became associate dean for research and graduate studies, adding academic leadership to her work as a scholar and teacher.
Her connection with the university began partly because of the students. She recalled that USask students stood out during her search for an academic position.
“I found that the students at USask were the warmest. They were very kind. There was just something about them that was different from other places,” she said.
Over the years, she has also gained recognition for supporting students. She supervises graduate students in law and interdisciplinary programs and received the Provost’s College Award for Outstanding Teaching in 2012. She also received the USask InterD Advisor Award in 2026.
A Nigerian Woman Scholar With a Wider Community Impact
Odumosu-Ayanu’s influence extends beyond the classroom. She has taken part in academic and community organizations across Saskatchewan and Canada.
Her service includes work with professional associations, academic journals and community organizations. She has also served on the board of the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association.
She now lives in Saskatoon with her husband and their two children. The University of Saskatchewan has described her as a respected member of the College of Law, highlighting her positive spirit and care for students.
For Odumosu-Ayanu, however, the career has always been about more than academic achievement. Her interest in law has remained connected to the desire to improve people’s lives.
“It’s what drove me to law in the first place, and I think it’s still what drives me – it’s that sense that things could be better for people,” she said.
Her appointment as dean now gives her a larger platform to bring that belief into academic leadership. Starting October 1, she will lead the University of Saskatchewan College of Law after nearly two decades of teaching, research and service at the institution.
