By Vivian Okejeme Abuja
The Management and Staff of National Judicial Institute rejoice with it’s Administrator, Justice Babatunde Adejumo OFR and family on the occasion of his 71st birthday.
A statement signed by Kolade Umoru, Head, Information, Media and Public Relations of the institution described Justice Adejumo as a man of methods, Judicial tactician, people’s moulder and builder, an Administrator per excellence a disciplinarian and a lovely family man.
According to the statement, the Institute is being repositioned for greater efficiency and productivity through strategic leadership of the Administrator.
It added that the success stories of the great man of history and pedigree is made easy by the support he enjoys from Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, Board of Governors of the Institute, the Honourable Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, past chairmen and Administrators and as well as other notable personalities.
Describing his personality, it noted that Justice Adejumo, notwithstanding his apparent strictness and stern discipline, he practically demonstrates passion and compassion, kindness and benevolence to people without counting cost and returns irrespective of their interests, greed, gender, ethnic and religious backgrounds.
“His Lordship enjoys building people, nurture them to fruition and a generous giver. In this aspect of life, Justice Adejumo stand out amongst his friends and peers as a Role model and a shinning example of what a true leader ought to be.
“No doubts, his forthright, calmness, courage and love for details and virtues has endeared him to many. His ability to recall activities and past events is a thriller to those of us who works directly or indirectly with his Lordship and many people are currently benefiting from his wealth of experience, inspiration and wisdom which he is churning out on daily basis both at home and in the office. Justice Adejumo, at his age demonstrates uncommon administrative segacity and craftsmanship and never afraid to give his views and opinions on any decisions when call upon,especially on labour and employment adjudication.
“Since his Lordship’s assumed office on the 1st August, 2025, he has left no one in doubt as to his preparedness to build on the legacy of the past Administrators and of the founding fathers of the the Institute.
“As his Lordship, works the talks as evident in his actions and body language, he has so far energies and rekindle the hopes of the staff.
“As the new Headmaster, he appeared as a new Sheriff in the Institute with many master strokes that have left majority of staff bewildered as he daily unfolds his Reform Agenda. Justice Adejumo, has made many courtesy visits to advocate institutional collaboration and partnership with the Institute and also received in audience many visitors delegations to the Institute as well, for fostering and sustaining existing relationships.
“This, we viewed as corporate public relationship that is making the Institute more visible amongst organisations with similar or related mandate and responsibility.
“The Institute is already wearing new look right from the Main Gate and to arterial views across the premises and through his Lordship’s dressing code, there is also an Altitudinal change in the staff dressing mode and as well, workplace attendance has improved and prompt service delivery has also increased significantly and his Lordship’s regular visits to on-going construction sites for on-the-spot assessments of the work, have brought hope for quick completion and delivery of the facilities to the Institute.
“Justice Babatunde Adejumo, OFR was born on 1st October, 1954 in Ikaramu-Akoko with his Independent mind nurtured through his early education at Lokoja and Ikaramu-Akoko. His Lordship, later attended the University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University, and his public service careers which spanned through Nigerian Prison Service, Ondo State House of Assembly as Chairman, House committee on Judiciary, fundamental human rights and public petitions,Judge of Ondo State Judiciary, Deputy Chief Registrar(Supreme Court of Nigeria) to been appointed President, National Industrial Court of Nigeria(NICN) in 2003. At the NICN, Justice Adejumo reformed, repositioned and Improved the efficiency of the Court, established the Alternative Dispute
“Resolution(ADR) centres and spread the court across Nigeria. On the 3rd July, 2025, The Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, Board of Governors, National Judicial Institute on behalf of the Board of Governors appointed Babatunde A. Adejumo, OFR as the 9th Administrator of the Institute and expected him to bring his wealth of experience and deep understanding of Judicial Administration as qualities that would enhance the Institute’s efforts in promoting judicial education, capacity building and innovation.
“Justice Adejumo lives a life synonymous to that of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR., former Premier, Western Region, as he shared with him some common principles of Chief Awolowo’S NEVER give up spirit on cherished mission, doggedness, courage, resilience steadfast, sense of humour and absolute trust in God.
“The Management and Staff salutes our amiable, the working and walking Administrator, Hon. Justice Babatunde A. Adejumo, OFR, with seven+ hearty cheers at 71 and wish his Lordship many years of sound health in the service of Nigeria Judiciary and to Humanity. May Allah SWT grant his Lordship long life.”
