Friday July 04, 2025
By Idorenyin UMOREN
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has appointed Justice Babatunde Adejumo as the next Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, NJI. His appointment takes effect from August 1, 2025.
The announcement was made on Thursday, July 3, through an official statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the CJN, Tobi Soniyi.
The statement confirmed that the appointment was approved by the NJI Board of Governors, which is chaired by Justice Kekere-Ekun herself.
Justice Adejumo, a well-respected jurist with a distinguished career, will take over from Justice Salisu Abdullahi, who is set to conclude his four-year tenure on July 31.
Justice Kekere-Ekun commended the outgoing administrator for his “tireless commitment and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the Institute and the Nigerian judiciary as a whole.”
“This appointment was made by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria following due consultation with the Board of Governors, in accordance with the provisions of the National Judicial Institute Act,” the statement noted.
According to FirstNEWS, Justice Adejumo previously served as President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria until his retirement in 2019.
He is widely regarded as an accomplished legal mind and seasoned administrator, praised for his reformist approach and unwavering dedication to judicial excellence.
According to the statement, Adejumo’s “wealth of experience and deep understanding of judicial administration are qualities expected to significantly enhance the institute’s efforts in promoting judicial capacity development and institutional innovation.”
The National Judicial Institute plays a central role in Nigeria’s legal system as the apex body for the training, education, and development of judges and judicial personnel at all levels.
Its mission includes promoting efficiency, professional growth, and high ethical standards through workshops, courses, and academic programmes that align with international best practices.
This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the NJI, as it seeks to modernize judicial education and improve the overall performance of Nigeria’s judiciary under new leadership.
