USask Appoints Dr. Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu as Law Dean

​The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has announced the appointment of Dr. Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu as the new Dean of the College of Law. Set to begin a five-year term on October 1, 2026, Dr. Odumosu-Ayanu steps into the role following a distinguished career as a legal scholar, educator, and administrator within the institution.

​Dr. Odumosu-Ayanu succeeds outgoing leadership, bringing a wealth of academic experience to her new post. Prior to her appointment as dean, she served as the college’s Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies and has been an integral member of the faculty since joining in 2008. Her academic journey spans multiple continents: she earned her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Lagos in Nigeria, followed by a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Calgary and a PhD from the University of British Columbia (UBC).

​Announcing the transition, the university’s interim provost and vice-president academic, Patti McDougall, highlighted Dr. Odumosu-Ayanu’s strong track record of collaborative leadership and commitment to advancing legal scholarship. As dean, she will focus on reinforcing the college’s historical strengths in legal education while deepening its engagement with Indigenous legal traditions and local and global communities.

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​An internationally recognized researcher, Dr. Odumosu-Ayanu’s scholarship focuses on natural resource development, international investment law, human rights, and socio-economic development, with a particular emphasis on the legal rights of local communities and Indigenous peoples. Her work has been widely published in leading global journals and academic books, and she has secured competitive research funding from agencies such as the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

​Beyond her research endeavors, she is an award-winning educator. Having taught core subjects like the Law of Contracts since 2007, she is a recipient of the Provost’s College Award for Outstanding Teaching and has actively mentored numerous graduate students through successful LLM and PhD programs. Her extensive service to the academic community includes editorial roles with prominent journals, leadership positions in professional associations such as the Canadian Law and Society Association, and contributions to community organizations like the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association.