The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has approved the appointment of Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo as the new Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
His appointment, which follows the recommendation of the NJI’s Board of Governors—chaired by the CJN herself—will officially take effect on August 1, 2025.
This development was announced on Thursday in Abuja through an official statement issued by Mr. Tobi Soniyi, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Justice Adejumo, a distinguished jurist and seasoned judicial administrator, previously served as the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria until his retirement in 2019.
His wealth of experience and deep understanding of judicial operations are expected to contribute significantly to strengthening the NJI’s capacity-building initiatives and driving institutional innovations in the judiciary.
He will be succeeding Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, whose tenure as the Administrator of the Institute will come to an end on July 31, 2025, after four years of dedicated and exemplary service.
The CJN, while expressing gratitude to the outgoing administrator, praised Justice Abdullahi for his unwavering commitment, diligence, and impactful contributions to the progress of the National Judicial Institute and the judiciary at large. She described his tenure as one marked by significant milestones in judicial training and professional development.
The National Judicial Institute remains Nigeria’s premier institution for the continuing education and development of judicial officers and judiciary support staff. As a center of excellence for judicial studies, the NJI plays a crucial role in promoting judicial efficiency, standardization, and the enhancement of service delivery within the legal system.
In alignment with its mandate, the institute organizes various capacity-building programmes such as conferences, workshops, seminars, and training courses.
These programmes are designed to elevate the knowledge base, ethical standards, and performance of judges and judicial personnel nationwide, while adhering to international best practices in judicial education and reform.
With Justice Adejumo’s appointment, stakeholders expect a continuation—and possible advancement—of the NJI’s commitment to excellence and innovation in Nigeria’s judicial landscape.