Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun (born 19 October 1966) is a Nigerian lawyer, academic, author, investor, professor of environmental law, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He served as the 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU) from 11 January 2016 to 10 January 2021. His tenure marked significant advancements in research, innovation, and infrastructure, elevating LASU to the second-best university in Nigeria according to the 2021 Times Higher Education ranking.
He was appointed by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, succeeding Professor John Obafunwa. His appointment was widely praised, particularly by the LASU chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
Early Life and Education
- Born in Akesan, Alimosho, Lagos State, Nigeria.
- Attended Local Authority Primary School, Agege and Ikeja Grammar School, Oshodi.
- Obtained LL.B in 1987 from University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).
- Completed NYSC in 1989 and was called to the Nigerian Bar after attending the Nigerian Law School.
- Earned LL.M from the University of Lagos.
- Obtained Ph.D. in Law from Obafemi Awolowo University.
- Holds a Postgraduate Diploma in International Tax Law from Robert Kennedy College, Switzerland.
Career
- Began academic career in 1991 as Assistant Lecturer at LASU's Faculty of Law.
- Promoted to Associate Professor in 2004, and Full Professor of Environmental Law in 2008.
- Contributed to the development of environmental law curriculum in Nigerian universities.
- Served as:
- Head, Department of Business Law
- Head, Department of Private and Property Law
- Coordinator, Department of Environmental Law and Allied Disciplines
- Editor-in-Chief, LASU Law Journal
- Joined Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) in 2010.
- Taught Advanced Legal Methods and Environmental Law.
- Member of editorial boards of:
- NIALS Journal of Environmental Law
- Nigerian Current Law Review
- LASU Journal of Law
Before becoming VC: - Director of Studies and Director of Research, NIALS. - Chike Idigbe Distinguished Professor of Law.
Public Services
- Facilitator/resource person for British Council and Nigerian Bar Association.
- Member, Senate Committee on Ecology and Environment.
- Advisory roles with:
- Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency
- Technical Advisory Committee on Environmental Management (Oil & Gas Sector)
- Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission
- Expert Group on Climate Change Policy and Legislation, Nigeria
- Chair, Lagos State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal.
- Vice Chairman, African Regional Forum, International Bar Association (IBA).
- Regional Representative, Africa, IBA Environment Health and Safety Committee.
- Trustee, Lagos Public Interest Law Partnership.
- External examiner at Nigerian and international universities:
- University of Fort Hare, South Africa
- University of Amsterdam
Research and Honours
- Research interests: Law and governance, sustainable development, environmental protection, indigenous rights.
- Supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Authored and co-authored:
- 8 books
- Numerous academic articles, conference papers, and monographs
- Notable work:
"The Law of Oil Pollution and Environmental Restoration: A Comparative Review" - Recipient of various awards and fellowships.
- Honored with the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) by President Muhammadu Buhari on 28 November 2019 at NAF Conference Center, Abuja.
Personal Life
- Born into the royal family of Akesan, Alimosho.
- Married with children.
References
Bibliography
Olusegun Yerokun, Olanrewaju Fagbohun, Kayode Oyende (2007).
Landmark Cases and Essays in Honour of Kehinde Sofola. Concept Publishers. ISBN: 978-978-8065-89-0.Anthony Kola-Olusanya, Ayo Omotayo, Olanrewaju Fagbohun (2011).
Environment and Sustainability: Issues, Policies & Contentions in Honour of Professor Peter Okebukola. University Press Plc. ISBN: 978-978-069-578-1.Dike, Gabriel (19 January 2016).
“The making of new LASU VC”, The Sun News.