The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has ushered in a new phase in the leadership of its Faculty of Law, with Professor Adejoke Oyewunmi formally assuming office as Dean, succeeding Professor Abiola Sanni (SAN) .

Oyewunmi, the 20th Dean of the Faculty, becomes only the third female to hold the position since its establishment, following Professors C. K. Agomo and Ayodele Atsenuwa, marking another milestone in the institution’s history of academic excellence and inclusiveness.

An accomplished scholar and seasoned administrator, Oyewunmi obtained her LL.B. from Obafemi Awolowo University and later earned postgraduate degrees from UNILAG, where she has built a career spanning over three decades.

She is widely regarded as a leading authority in Intellectual Property and Labour Law, holding an LL.M. in Intellectual Property from the Franklin Pierce Law Center, University of New Hampshire, as well as a Ph.D. from Obafemi Awolowo University.

She takes over from Sanni, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, whose single two-year tenure has been widely described as transformative.

Under his leadership, the faculty recorded significant gains in governance, academic development, research output, infrastructure, and international collaboration.

During the period, the faculty strengthened its global outlook with initiatives such as the UNILAG, University of Dundee Dual LL.M. Programme and the Women in Legal Academia (WiLAC) Project.

It’s students also recorded notable academic feats, including winning the 2026 World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) IP Moot Court Competition against teams from over 200 law schools worldwide. The winning team was coached by Oyewunmi alongside other Intellectual Property lecturers.

The faculty also maintained strong academic performance at the Nigerian Law School, producing 43 First Class graduates in 2025 and 34 in 2026, alongside consistent success in advocacy competitions.

Sanni’s tenure further witnessed major infrastructural development driven by alumni support and strategic partnerships.

The key projects included the renovation of learning facilities, upgrades to digital and alternative energy systems, and the initiation of landmark developments such as the Faculty Elevator, the redevelopment of the Faculty Library, and plans for a new Faculty building.

Alumni engagement also featured prominently, with efforts leading to the adoption of a constitution for the proposed Faculty of Law Alumni Association and plans for a structured Alumni Relations and Advancement Office.

As Oyewunmi takes the reins, expectations are high that she will consolidate on these gains and steer the faculty toward further advancement in legal education, research, and global relevance.