The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has approved the appointment of Justice Babatunde Adejumo as the new Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, with effect from August 1, 2025.
This development was made known in an official statement issued on Thursday by the CJN’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Tobi Soniyi.
The appointment was ratified by the Board of Governors of the NJI, chaired by Justice Kekere-Ekun.
Justice Adejumo will take over from Justice Salisu Abdullahi, whose four-year tenure ends on July 31, 2025.
The statement read in part: “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.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun expressed her deep appreciation to the outgoing administrator for his service to the judiciary and the growth of the NJI.
“We are grateful for Justice Abdullahi’s tireless commitment and invaluable contributions to the institute and the Nigerian judiciary. His leadership has significantly advanced the NJI’s mission,” she said.
Justice Adejumo, a distinguished jurist and experienced administrator, previously served as President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria before retiring in 2019. His appointment is expected to bring renewed leadership and drive to the NJI’s efforts at advancing judicial capacity development and institutional reforms.
Describing the incoming administrator, the CJN noted, “Justice Adejumo brings to the institute a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of judicial administration that will be instrumental in further enhancing the quality and integrity of judicial training in Nigeria.”
The NJI is the apex institution mandated with the continuous education, training, and professional development of judicial officers and judiciary staff across the country. It plays a vital role in promoting uniformity, efficiency, and ethical standards in judicial practices.
Through its various training programmes, seminars, and conferences, the institute aims to align the Nigerian judiciary with global best practices.