Prairies now home for Odumosu-Ayanu

Like many master’s students, Dr. Ibironke (Ronke) Odumosu-Ayanu intended to study abroad, but she didn’t plan on the Canadian Prairies becoming home.

“Since I started law school, I always knew that I wanted to do a master’s and to do one abroad. But I always thought I would go to England.”

Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Odumosu-Ayanu assumed she would follow the common path to England for graduate studies. But then Calgary came into the picture because of its strong research in natural resources, energy, and environmental law, areas of particular interest to her. When funding from the University of Calgary arrived, she chose to take the leap and move to Canada.

Although she has gone on to build a successful academic career in law, Odumosu-Ayanu’s heart was not always set on the legal profession. “From a young age, there were always hints about law, but law wasn’t the only thing that I was thinking about,” she said. As a child, she loved to read and write, often creating her own stories. “No one had to make me read anything.”

She developed an interest in communications, but as a quiet child she questioned whether she wanted to pursue such a public-facing path. Encouraged by teachers who saw her strengths, and supported by her parents, she began to consider law more seriously. By the end of high school, she was committed to studying law and decided to enroll at the University of Lagos where she began to learn law from leading law professors. She earned her Bachelor of Laws there and her Master of Laws from the University of Calgary.

Odumosu-Ayanu originally intended to return to Nigeria after completing her master’s degree and begin working as a lawyer. Instead, she pursued her PhD at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

“Because I’ve always enjoyed reading and writing, I thought, let’s continue along this path. So, I decided to apply for a PhD.”

Earning her doctorate is one of her proudest achievements. And during this time, she realized she wanted to remain in academia and began interviewing for academic positions. One place stood out.

“I found that the students at USask were the warmest. They were very kind. There was just something about them that was different from other places.”

In 2008, Odumosu-Ayanu moved to Saskatchewan to join the College of Law. But before she left, a mentor at UBC who grew up in Saskatoon gave her memorable advice: buy yourself a nice parka. She did and still wears that same one on the coldest days.

Now nearly 18 years later, Saskatoon is home for Odumosu-Ayanu, her husband, and their two children. The welcoming environment at the College of Law has been a major reason she decided to stay.

“It doesn’t feel like going to work because I do something that I absolutely love and I get to do it alongside very kind people.

“They don’t bug you,” she joked. “So it’s been good.”

 Her positive spirit and genuine care for students have made her a respected and beloved presence in the college. In 2012, she received the Provost’s College Award for Outstanding Teaching. Small moments of appreciation stay with her.

“One day, before COVID-19, when we would show up regardless of how sick we were, I almost didn’t have a voice and still taught a class. As a student left, she whispered ‘lemon and honey.’ ”

“Those things stay with you,” Odumosu-Ayanu said, “Students see that you make an effort and they appreciate it. It’s one of the things that I love the most about the students here.”

Now associate dean of research and graduate studies, Odumosu-Ayanu’s passion for law remains grounded in improving the lives of others.

“It’s what drove me to law in the first place, and I think it’s still what drives me – it’s that sense that things could be better for people.”

Her research focuses on areas of law such as foreign investment and natural resource development and their implications for local communities. She’s interested in the contributions that local communities make to these areas of law, how they interact with legal systems, and the distinctive ways in which legal decisions shape their lives.

“At the heart of most that I look at is, how is the law engaging with these communities and how are these communities engaging with the law?”

Outside of her professional work, Odumosu-Ayanu finds joy in her family and in her faith. She remains closely connected with loved ones near and far, whether at her church, spending time with her husband and kids, visiting with her mom, siblings and good friends, or traveling to see extended family.

When asked about Black History Month, Odumosu-Ayanu shared a thoughtful and intentional message.

“Black History Month for me is an opportunity to apply some intentionality to reflect on the lives of Black people around the world. One of the benefits of being an academic is that you’re in a space where you can pause and even reflect – I think that’s a privilege. Not everyone has that opportunity.”

She believes the month should act as a catalyst to inspire ongoing action and support for Black students and initiatives.

“I like that the College of Law is paying attention to these things. Just recently, the college helped support some of our students going to the Black Law Students Association Conference. Funding to support black law students is very helpful.”

She also emphasized that the month is about recognizing the strength and accomplishments of Black communities.

“I draw strength from some very exceptional black women that I’ve known and that I still know, like my mom, the mother figures in my life – all incredibly amazing women. Black History Month is an opportunity to intentionally think about those people and celebrate them.”