Professor Dapo Akande Breaks Record with 2026 ICJ Judge Nomination

Who says Nigerians abroad are all about bad deeds? Professor Dapo Akande just bagged a nomination for the International Court of Justice in 2026. Looks like we’re out here breaking records, not breaking laws.

According to His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Netherlands Joanna Roper CMG, “The UK is pleased to announce that Professor Dapo Akande will be nominated for election as a judge to the International Court of Justice in 2026 by the UK National Group.”

You might want to read this again.

Professor Dapo Akande’s journey from Nigeria to becoming a globally respected legal scholar is a remarkable and inspiring tale. His journey began in Nigeria, where he earned his first degree from Obafemi Awolowo University. This foundation set the stage for his illustrious career, leading him to become one of the foremost legal scholars in the world. His career spans continents and influences the most prestigious legal institutions globally.

Professor Akande is currently the Chichele Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford and a Fellow at All Souls College. His expertise in public international law has not only made him a prominent figure in academia but has also allowed him to contribute to global legal frameworks. As co-director of the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law, and Armed Conflict (ELAC), he addresses some of the most pressing legal issues related to warfare, international ethics, and global justice.

One of his most groundbreaking achievements came when he became the first Black professor to have his portrait honored at St Peter’s College, Oxford. This symbolic gesture recognized not only his academic contributions but also his role as a pioneer for Black academics in prestigious global institutions.

His impact extends far beyond the walls of Oxford. In November 2021, he was elected to the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC) for the term 2023-2027. His nomination came from a rare coalition of countries: the United Kingdom, Japan, Kenya, Slovenia, and Nigeria. This historic co-nomination, bridging four different United Nations regional groups, highlights the universal respect for his legal expertise. No candidate in the history of the ILC had ever been nominated by such a diverse group of nations before, further increasing his global significance.

Now, the most recent highlight in his illustrious career is his nomination by the UK National Group for election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2026.

As one of the most respected judicial institutions in the world, the ICJ is responsible for settling disputes between states and providing advisory opinions on international legal questions. Being nominated for a judge’s position on this court is a tremendous honour, placing Professor Akande in the ranks of legal scholars who have shaped international law at the highest level.

Professor Akande’s potential future on the bench of the ICJ will be the culmination of decades of legal scholarship and his unique ability to bridge academic theory and practical international law.

Do you still think Nigerians in the diaspora are associated with only bad deeds?