10 things to know about Ibadan-born Professor Dapo Akande elected ICJ Judge

Nigerian-born international law professor, Dapo Akande, has been elected a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), bringing attention to his outstanding career in law and academia.

Akande was elected on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, following voting by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council.

He was nominated by the United Kingdom and will serve a nine-year term beginning February 6, 2027.

Here are 10 things to know about the renowned legal scholar:

1. He was born and raised in Ibadan

Dapo Akande was born and raised in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, Nigeria. Although he later built his career in the United Kingdom, he began his educational and professional journey in Nigeria.

2. He studied at the University of Ife

Akande obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ife, now known as Obafemi Awolowo University, in 1992. His university education laid the foundation for his career in international law.

3. He qualified as a Nigerian lawyer in 1993

After completing his undergraduate studies, Akande qualified as a barrister and solicitor in Nigeria in 1993. He later moved on to further his education and develop his legal career internationally.

4. He obtained a master's degree from the London School of Economics

Akande proceeded to the United Kingdom where he obtained a Master of Laws degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1994. The qualification further strengthened his academic background in law.

5. He is a Professor at the University of Oxford

Akande is the Chichele Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford. He has held the prestigious position since 2023 and is also a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford.

6. He is a member of the United Nations International Law Commission

In 2021, Akande was elected into the United Nations International Law Commission, a body responsible for promoting the development and codification of international law. His election followed a joint nomination by Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Japan, Kenya and Slovenia.

7. He has worked with several international courts

Before his election as an ICJ judge, Akande had already participated in legal proceedings before several international courts and tribunals. These include the International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court, European Court of Human Rights and African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.

8. He has advised governments and international organisations

Throughout his career, Akande has provided legal advice to governments across different regions of the world. His clients and institutions he worked with include the United Nations, African Union and Commonwealth Secretariat.

9. He has taught at prestigious universities outside the UK

Beyond his work at Oxford, Akande has held visiting academic positions in different countries, including the United States and Australia. His academic engagements have included Yale Law School and the University of Melbourne.

10. He will serve as an ICJ judge for nine years

Following his election on November 3, 2026, Akande is expected to assume office on February 6, 2027, for a nine-year term ending in 2036. He will join the 15-member International Court of Justice, which is based in The Hague, Netherlands.

The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It settles legal disputes between countries and provides advisory opinions on international legal questions.

Its judges are expected to act independently and impartially rather than represent the governments that nominated them.