Dr. Jumoke Oduwole who has just been confirmed by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a minister of the Republic, designated by President Tinubu to man the nation’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, is a respected lecturer at the Faculty of Law at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, where she has taught since 2004. Her research interests include International Trade, Development, and the impact of China on Africa, showcasing her expertise through various publications.
In addition to her academic role, Jumoke Oduwole is a member of the University of Lagos Senate and is actively involved on the Misconduct Committee of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the College of Medicine.
Her notable achievements include being awarded the Prince Claus Chair in Development and Equity from 2013 to 2015 by the Institute of Social Studies in the Netherlands, and being a 2013 Archbishop Desmond Tutu Fellow with the African Leadership Institute.
Dr. Oduwole participated in the inaugural “Leadership for Change in Africa” program by Private Investors for Africa, which aims to nurture promising leaders across the continent. She is affiliated with the BMW Foundation’s Global Young Leaders Network and has attended numerous forums focusing on critical global issues.
In her professional capacity, Dr Oduwole serves on multiple boards and committees, including the African Association of International Law (AAIL) and the African International Economic Law Network. She has held the position of Vice President at AAIL and is a member of both the Nigerian and American Societies of International Law.
Her commitment to youth development is evident in her mentorship of young Nigerians and her role as a judge on the entrepreneurship-focused reality TV show, “The Next Titan.” Furthermore, she co-founded “No Limits,” a platform that promotes leadership values among Nigerian youths.
With a strong background in corporate banking, Jumoke Oduwole previously worked at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and FCMB Capital Markets, focusing on capital raising, mergers, and acquisitions. She also led The Kuramo Foundation, which emphasizes using law as a tool for social change.
In public service, Dr. Oduwole served as the Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business in the Office of the Vice President before her ministerial appointment. From November 2015 to May 2019, she was the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industry, Trade, and Investment, playing a key role in establishing the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN).
Moreover, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole contributed to the Technical Working Group of the Presidential Committee for the Impact and Readiness Assessment of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), particularly in the Sub-Committee on Ease of Doing Business. She currently represents Nigeria on the AfCFTA Implementation National Action Committee (NAC).
As the Executive Secretary of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), which is chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and with the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment as Vice Chair, Dr. Oduwole oversees the council’s secretariat. She coordinates policy development and business reforms aimed at creating a more conducive environment for business in Nigeria.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole holds an LL.B. from the University of Lagos, an LL.M. from Cambridge University, and a doctorate from Stanford Law School. She has served as a visiting scholar and graduate fellow at various international institutions.
An avid photographer, she is married and has two children. Her dedication to her field and community positions her as a respected leader and advocate for development and equity in Africa.
