The Leadership Centre of the University of Abuja has appointed Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, CON, OFR, LL.D., as a visiting professor, marking his eighth such appointment at international institutions worldwide.
The appointment, announced this week, recognises Ozekhome’s contributions to international legal scholarship and leadership development across multiple continents. University officials cited his extensive experience in constitutional law, human rights advocacy, and legal education as key factors in the decision.
“Professor Ozekhome brings unparalleled expertise to our Leadership Centre,” said a university spokesperson. “His global perspective and decades of legal practice will significantly enhance our academic programmes and research initiatives.”
Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, holds the national honours of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), along with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. His legal career spans over three decades, during which he has handled high-profile constitutional and human rights cases.
The appointment makes Ozekhome one of the most internationally recognised Nigerian legal academics, with visiting professorships spanning institutions across Africa, Europe, and North America. His previous appointments include positions at universities in Ghana, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
At the University of Abuja’s Leadership Centre, Ozekhome will contribute to curriculum development, research supervision, and executive education programmes. He is expected to lead seminars on constitutional law, governance, and leadership ethics.
The Leadership Centre, established to develop transformational leaders across various sectors, has been expanding its faculty with internationally recognised experts. Ozekhome’s appointment is part of the university’s strategy to enhance its global academic standing and attract top-tier talent.
“This appointment reflects our commitment to academic excellence and our vision of positioning the University of Abuja as a leading institution for leadership development in Africa,” university administrators stated.
Ozekhome’s legal practice has focused on constitutional law, election petitions, and human rights cases. He has appeared before various courts, including the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and has been involved in landmark cases that have shaped Nigerian jurisprudence.
His academic work includes numerous publications on constitutional law, human rights, and democratic governance. He has presented papers at international conferences and served as an external examiner at several universities.
The visiting professorship will be effective immediately, with Ozekhome expected to begin his duties in the upcoming academic session. The appointment duration and specific responsibilities will be outlined in a formal agreement between the professor and the university.
Industry observers note that the appointment underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in international academic circles and demonstrates the global recognition of Nigerian legal scholarship. The move is expected to attract more international students and researchers to the University of Abuja.
Ozekhome’s appointment comes at a time when Nigerian universities are increasingly seeking to internationalise their programmes and attract globally recognised faculty members. The trend reflects broader efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian higher education institutions.
The Leadership Centre plans to leverage Ozekhome’s expertise to develop new programmes in legal leadership and governance, potentially expanding its offerings to include executive education for legal professionals and government officials across Africa.
University officials indicated that additional announcements regarding new faculty appointments and programme expansions are expected in the coming months as part of the institution’s strategic development plan.
