Meet Gbemi Odusote, first female DG of Nigerian Law School

Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote, popularly known as Gbemi Odusote, has made history following her appointment as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, becoming the first woman to occupy the position since the institution was established.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved her appointment, a move widely described as a landmark moment for legal education in Nigeria and a recognition of her decades of service to the profession.

Career journey

Dr Odusote was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after obtaining her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University.

She later earned a Master of Laws degree from the same institution, specialising in company and commercial law, before proceeding to the United Kingdom where she obtained a PhD in Law from the University of Surrey.

Her research interests focus on public law and the administration of justice.

She enrolled as a solicitor and advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1988 and was appointed a Notary Public of Nigeria in June 2022.

Over the years, she has built strong professional experience, including corporate secretarial practice through her work at Abdullai, Taiwo & Co. and service as a company secretary.

Dr Odusote joined the Nigerian Law School in 2001 as a lecturer and has since spent about two decades teaching Property Law Practice, including wills and estate administration.

Her long career at the institution has seen her serve in several leadership roles, including Head of the Academic Department, Director of Academics, Head of Campus and, until her latest appointment, Director of Academics at the Lagos Campus.

International engagements

She has also had international exposure, having served briefly as a visiting scholar at Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom.

Her academic work includes numerous published and unpublished papers in reputable local and international law journals, as well as presentations at legal education conferences.

Professional affiliations

Dr Odusote is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and belongs to several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, the Association of Law Teachers in the UK and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

She has also served on committees of the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Bar Association.

Personal life

Beyond academics and law practice, Odusote is known for her strong faith and community involvement.

She is a Christian minister, marriage counsellor and volunteer who supports school boards and women’s groups.

She is married to Olatunde Odusote, a zonal pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and she is widely described as a devoted wife, mother and counsellor.

In her spare time, she enjoys planning events and driving. Admirers often describe her as disciplined, resourceful and passionate about excellence in both professional life and ministry.