Prof. Dapo Akande

Biography of Prof. Dapo Akande | Oxford Law Professor & International Law Expert Prof. Dapo Akande: The Oxford Law Professor Shaping Global Justice

Introduction: A Luminary at the Nexus of Law and Global Order

In the prestigious world of international law, few names command as much respect as Prof. Dapo Akande. A brilliant legal mind from Nigeria, he has ascended to the pinnacle of academic and practical influence as a Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford, one of the world's leading institutions. Born in 1969, Prof. Dapo Akande has carved a monumental legacy, expertly navigating the complex terrain between sovereign states, international courts, and human rights. His work transcends dry legal theory, impacting global Entertainment of justice, security, and diplomacy. A key achievement underscoring his authority is his election to the UN International Law Commission in 2021, a testament to his peer-recognized expertise. As a co-director of the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict (ELAC), Prof. Dapo Akande stands as a pivotal figure in interpreting and shaping the rules that govern our world.

Early Life & Education: Forging a Path from Nigeria to Global Prominence

The foundational years of Prof. Dapo Akande are rooted in Nigeria, a nation with a rich legal tradition and complex international engagements. His early exposure to a dynamic socio-political environment likely ignited his interest in how law operates on the world stage. He pursued his undergraduate legal education with distinction, obtaining an LL.B. from the University of Lagos, a premier institution in Nigeria. This solid foundation provided him with a crucial understanding of common law principles from a distinctly Nigerian perspective.

His academic prowess propelled him across the Atlantic to the United States, where he earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Florida. However, it was his move to the United Kingdom that marked a definitive turn. At the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Prof. Dapo Akande completed his Ph.D., delving deep into the intricacies of international legal personality. His doctoral thesis, focusing on the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, foreshadowed his future career as a leading voice on international courts and dispute settlement. This multinational educational journey—spanning Nigeria, the USA, and the UK—equipped him with a uniquely comparative and global outlook, essential for his future work at Oxford.

Career & Major Achievements: Architect of Modern International Law

The career trajectory of Prof. Dapo Akande is a testament to sustained excellence in academia, litigation, and advisory roles. Before his appointment at Oxford, he held teaching positions at the University of Durham and the University of Nottingham, honing his pedagogical skills. His arrival at the University of Oxford solidified his status as a global thought leader. At Oxford, he not only holds a prestigious chair but also co-directs ELAC and is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of International Law, one of the field's most cited publications.

Pioneering Scholarship and Influence

Prof. Dapo Akande's scholarship is both profound and practical. He has authored seminal works on:

• Immunities of State Officials: Clarifying the boundaries of legal accountability for state actors.
• Jurisdiction of International Courts: Defining the reach and authority of bodies like the ICJ and ICC.
• International Humanitarian Law: Analyzing the laws of war in contemporary conflicts.
• Use of Force: Scrutinizing the legal justifications for military intervention.

His articles are mandatory reading for scholars, practitioners, and judges alike, frequently cited in legal submissions and court opinions worldwide.

Practice Before International Courts

Beyond the ivory tower, Prof. Dapo Akande is a sought-after advocate. He has litigated before the International Court of Justice, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and the World Trade Organization. Notably, he served as counsel for The Gambia in the landmark ICJ case against Myanmar concerning allegations under the Genocide Convention, showcasing his commitment to using law as a tool for human rights protection.

Election to the UN International Law Commission

In November 2021, Prof. Dapo Akande achieved one of the highest honors in international law: election by the UN General Assembly to the International Law Commission (ILC). The ILC is responsible for the progressive development and codification of international law. His membership allows him to directly influence the drafting of legal principles that may become future treaties or customary law, a role that places him at the very heart of global law-making.

Personal Life & Legacy: The Man Behind the Robes

While Prof. Dapo Akande maintains a professional focus, his personal story is one of inspiration for aspiring lawyers across Africa and the Global South. As a prominent Nigerian academic at Oxford, he serves as a powerful role model, demonstrating that expertise from any region can lead and shape global discourse. He is known to be deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of international lawyers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

His legacy is being woven through his students, his influential writings, and his practical work. By bridging rigorous scholarship with real-world impact, Prof. Dapo Akande ensures that international law remains a relevant and dynamic force. He champions a vision of a rules-based international order that is both respectful of sovereignty and protective of fundamental human dignity. His ongoing work with the ILC and at Oxford will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on the fabric of global governance for decades to come.

Net Worth & Professional Standing

While the exact net worth of Prof. Dapo Akande is not publicly disclosed, as is typical for senior academics, his professional and financial standing can be inferred from his elite positions. As a full Professor at the University of Oxford, he commands a significant and respected salary within the UK academic system. His substantial income is further supplemented by:

• Honoraria for high-level consultancy work for governments and international organizations.
• Remuneration from his work as counsel in major international cases.
• Royalties from his extensive publications and editorial roles.

His true "wealth," however, lies in his immense intellectual capital and his unparalleled influence in the realm of public international law. Prof. Dapo Akande has built a career not on business ventures in the traditional sense, but on the currency of expertise, reputation, and impact—assets that cement his status as one of the most important international lawyers of his generation.