Warm reception as NJI’s new administrator, Justice Adejumo resumes duty

By Vivian Okejeme

J

ustice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo, has assumed office as the 9th Administrator of National Judicial Institute (NJI), following the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past Administrator, Hon. Justice Salisu G. Abdullahi,  yesterday.

It was gathered that the management and some principal officers of the Institute warmly received and welcomed him to the institution.

Recall that the Board of Governor of the National Judicial Institute under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, at its meeting held on the 3rd July, 2025 approved the appointment of Honourable Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo, as the Administrator of the Institute with effect from 1st August, 2025.

A statement signed by the Head, Information and Public Relation, Kolade Umoru, stated that the Director of Administration, Mr. Osmond A. Otobo on behalf of the Management and Principal Officers, presented an address.

In his speech, he extolled the new administrator and described him as a season judicial Administrator alluded to his giant strides and transforms at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, which include various law reforms, physical infrastructures and other remarkable achievements during his tenure as President of the Court.

He also thanked the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the Board of Governor of the Institute, Honourable Justice Kudirat Motomori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, for appointing such a great judicial technocrat, the Institute and the Nigerian judiciary is grateful.

He, therefore, assured the new administrator of the management and staff’s loyalty as well as their commitment to hard work and productivity while wishing him a successful tenure of office.

He added that the Institute is one big family where there is culture for good working relationship amongst staff and the Administrator.

In response, the Administrator,  Justice Adejumo thanked the management for organizing a welcome reception for him.

He told staff that he is not new to the Institute, and that he is familiar with Institute since 1993 to date, he have been working directly or indirectly with Institute through the past Chief Justices of Nigeria.

He promised to replicate his performance at National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), while the staff must eschew discipline and hard work.

He also promised to treat all matters on merit as he is a detribalised Nigerian.

He acknowledged that NJI is an important Institution of Nigerian Judiciary, and hence it is the mirror to the public perception.

He encouraged staff to be open and transparent in their dealings, and as he settles down, he promised to rejig the training modules and curriculum to reflect global best practices.

He also promised to improve the staff welfare packages, accelerate staff training and re-training across all cadres and ranks.

He further promised to overhaul the Information Technology and Library hubs in the Institute to gain global accessibility and patronage.

According to the statement: “The Hon. Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo, OFR is highly respected jurist, a seasoned Administrator, a teacher who served with distinction as President of National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) before coming to NJI with his wide range of experience and deep understanding of judicial administration and continuing education.

“These qualities are expected to significantly enhance the Institute’s effort in promoting judicial capacity, development and institutional innovation in knowledge, performance, and ethical standards in Nigerian judiciary.”