A Nigerian-trained international law scholar, Professor Dapo Akande, has been elected a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, in a development that has drawn attention to Nigeria’s contribution to global legal scholarship.
Akande, a Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford, secured election following a United Nations vote on Tuesday. He will serve a nine-year term on the 15-member court, which adjudicates legal disputes between countries and provides advisory opinions on international legal matters.
Although he contested as the United Kingdom’s candidate, Akande’s Nigerian background and legal training have been widely highlighted following his emergence.
His election also ends a nine-year absence of a British judge on the international court, according to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The British government disclosed that Akande secured the support of a majority of UN member states after a closely contested election, backed by the Prime Minister, government ministers and British diplomats.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham congratulated him, expressing confidence that his integrity, legal rigour and independent expertise would strengthen the work of the court.
Burnham said the development demonstrated Britain’s commitment to international law and its determination to contribute to global stability.
In his reaction, Akande expressed gratitude to countries that supported his candidacy, pledging to discharge his judicial responsibilities independently and impartially.
“I am deeply honoured to be elected to the International Court of Justice,” he said, adding that he looked forward to contributing to the court’s efforts to resolve international disputes through peaceful means.
The UK Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, also congratulated Akande, describing his legal expertise, independence and commitment to international law as valuable assets to the international community.
Nigerian education, international recognition
Akande was originally qualified as a lawyer in Nigeria and has accumulated nearly three decades of experience in international law as an academic and legal practitioner.
His academic journey included studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, the London School of Economics and the University of Oxford.
He is a Professor of Public International Law at Oxford, a Fellow of All Souls College and an elected member of the United Nations International Law Commission.
Over the years, he has served as counsel, adviser and expert in proceedings before international courts and tribunals, including the International Court of Justice.
He has also provided legal advice to governments across the five United Nations regional groups, as well as international organisations, including the United Nations and the African Union.
Akande’s emergence is a significant international recognition of his contributions to legal scholarship and practice, while highlighting the global influence of Nigerian-trained legal professionals.