CURRICULUM VITAE
OF
PROF. IMRAN OLUWOLE SMITH
DEPARTMENT OF LAW
SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL AND AFRICAN STUDIES
UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
LONDON WC1H OXG
E-mail: is22@soas.ac.uk
Phone – +44 (0)20 8859 0111
Mobile - +44 (0)7588 507 303
1.
ACADEMIC PURSUITS:
Hague Academy of International Law, Netherlands (1989)
University of Lagos, LL.M (1985).
University of Lagos, LL.B (Hons) (1979-1982);
General Certificate of Education, Advanced Level (1977)
West African School Certificate (1976)
2.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales
Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (U.K)
Barrister at Law (Nigeria)
3.
SCHOLARSHIPS / FELLOWSHIPS
Lagos state Scholarship Award (1979-1982), (1985); Scholarship of the
International Development Research Centre, Canada (1989); Research Fellow,
School of Oriental and African Studies University of London (1996-1997);
4.
ACADEMIC CAREER
Appointed Professor of Law with effect from October 2003. Subjects taught
include
Property
Law;
Law
of
Secured
Credit
Transactions,
Environmental/Planning Law ; Law and Practice of International Commercial
Arbitration. Other areas of research are African Law, Constitutional Law and
Human Rights Law
5.
6.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE FROM JANUARY 1986 TO DATE
i.
Dean, Faculty of Law, Lagos State University (2004-2006)
ii.
Member, Postgraduate School Board, University of Lagos (2006 -2008)
iii
Member, Academic Programmes Committee (2006-2008)
iv.
Chairman, Postgraduate School Disciplinary Committee (2006-2008)
v.
Member, University Senate (1992 – 1994) (2004-2008)
vi.
Head, Department of Private and Property Law, University of Lagos
(2002-2004)) (2007-2008)
vii.
Editor, Journal of Private and Property Law (2002-2008)
viii.
Member, Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee (2002-2004)
ix.
Member, Faculty Admissions Committee (2002-2004)
x.
Member, Faculty Publications Committee (2002-2008)
xi.
Member, Faculty Accreditation Committee (2003)
xii.
Co-ordinator LL.M/MLS Programme, LASU (1998-1999)
xiii.
Member, Management Committee of the Evening Law Programmes
consisting of the LL.B (Evening) LL.M and MLS (1996-1999).
xiv.
Director, Law Centre, Lagos State University (1994-1996)
xv.
Faculty Examinations Officer (1988-1994).
THESIS SUPERVISION:
(i)
Supervisor of three (3) Ph. D Candidates in the areas of Property
Law and Environmental Law to date.
(ii)
Currently supervised to completion the following Ph. D. Thesis:
J.F. Fekumo: "Problems and prospects of Compulsory Acquisition of Land and
Compensation in Nigeria". (November 2003)
7.
M.A. Banire:
“Land Management in Nigeria: Towards a New Legal
Framework” (December 2005)
R. A. Onuoha
A Legal Framework for Land as Security in Nigeria: Reforms and
Alternatives (2007).
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Engaged as a Consultant to four UK firm of solicitors to give expert advise on
various areas of English Law including Property and Commercial Law; Corporate
Law; and International Commercial Arbitration (1995-2006)

Active practice in the areas of International Commercial Arbitration and general
ADR (1988-date). Participated in eighteen (18) different International
Commercial Arbitration proceedings as Counsel in the last five (5) years.

Consultancy abroad (Nigeria and other African countries) in Private and Property
Law cases; running of in-house training programmes for firms of Solicitors in
International Commercial Arbitration.

Member of different Panels constituted by Nigerian Government to resolve land
disputes (the latest in 2006)
8.
ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

Currently Professorial Associate, SOAS University of London

Sabbatical Leave with SOAS University of London (1995-1997);

Delivered a total of ten (10) public lectures at the Institute of Advanced Legal
Studies, University of London from 1996-date.
9.
STATE APPOINTMENTS


10.
Member, Governing Council, Lagos state College of Education (1992-1994).
Member, Judicial Panel of Inquiry into Ajah land disputes in Lagos state (2006).
NATIONAL SERVICE
Amongst others:

Member, Council of Legal Education, Nigeria (2004-2006)


11.
Member, Committee for Reform of Legal Education in Nigeria (2006-2007)
Member, Committee commissioned by the National Assembly to draft a Bill for
an Act meant for the protection of persons with disability in Nigeria (2001)
CONFERENCES/SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS ATTENDED WITH DATES
(i).
Law Teachers Conference 1987 to date.
(ii).
Nigerian Bar Conference 1986 to date.
(iii). Conference on the Laws Establishing Nigerian Universities Organised by
the Faculty of Law, Lagos State University in 1991.
Title of Paper Presented:
I. O. Smith: “The Power of self governance and the role of visitation
panel under the
Laws Establishing Nigerian Universities”.
(iv).
Seminar series of the Faculty of Law, Lagos State University since 1987.
Title of Papers Presented:
(a)
(b)
(v).
I. O. Smith: “Legal Transplant in a Developing society: A critical
appraisal of
the reception of English Law in Nigeria.” Being paper
presented at the First Faculty of Law Seminar Series in
1987
I. O. Smith: “Security of title to Land in Nigeria: Any Hope for the
future?".Being paper presented at the Faculty of Law
Seminar Series in 1995.
National workshop on the reform of the Land Use Act held in December,
1991 organised by the Nigerian Law Reform Commission.
Title of Paper presented:
I. O. Smith: "The Nigerian Land Tenure System and the Land Use Act:
Need for Reform".
(vi).
National Conference on the Nigerian Law of Landlord and Tenant (26 - 28
July, 1995) organised by the Law Centre, Lagos State University.
Title of Papers Presented:
(a)
I. O. Smith: “The Liability of a Tenant holding over: Mesne profits or
compensation for use and occupation?”
(b)
I. O. Smith: "Enforcement of Judgments in Possession matters:
A critical appraisal of the strange procedure in Lagos
State".
(vii)
International Conference on "Environmental Law and Policy" organised
by the Law Centre Lagos State University, (27 - 29 March 1997).
Title of Paper Presented:
I. O. Smith:
"Sustainable Development and Environmental Diplomacy:
Reconciling economic growth and Environmental
protection by the year 2000 and beyond".
(viii) Seminar Series of the Department of Law, School of Oriental and African
Studies, University of London, 1997
Title of Paper Presented:
I. O. Smith:
(ix)
"Rights in Real Security and Creditors protection in
Nigeria"
W.G Hart Workshop on "Access to Environmental Justice" (8 -10 July
1997) organised by the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, School of
Advanced Studies, University of London, U.K.
Title of Paper Presented:
I. O. Smith: "Environmental pollution, dispute resolution and access to
justice in Nigeria: Which way forward?"
(x)
Workshop on Drafting Commercial Agreements and Banking
Documentation organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal
Studies, University of Lagos Campus in June 2000.
Title of Paper Presented:
I. O. Smith: "Conveyancing and Perfection of Instruments".
(xi).
National Workshop: on NGOs and Legislators: Partnership for Legal
Reforms organised by the Constitutional Rights Project (CRP) in
collaboration with Royal Norwegian Embassy and Senate Committee on
Human Rights (4 - 6 April 2001).
Title of Paper Presented:
I. O. Smith: "The Law making process under the 1999 Constitution: A
Critical Assessment".
(xii)
Workshop on Drafting Commercial Agreements and Banking
Documentation organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal
Studies (14 - 25 May 2001).
Title of Paper Presented:
I. O. Smith: "Conveyancing and Perfection of Instruments".
(xiii) Stakeholders meeting on "Legislating for persons with disability" (11 &
12 June 2001) organised by the office of the Deputy Speaker, House of
Representatives, National Assembly, Abuja-Nigeria
Title of Paper Presented:
I. O. Smith: "Proposed Legislation on Persons with Disabilities: A
Critical Assessment from a Comparative Perspective".
(xiv)
National Seminar on Banking and Allied Matters for Judges organised by
the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in collaboration
with National Judicial Institute (NJI) (23 - 25 October, 2002).
Title of paper presented:
I. O. Smith: "Secured Credit Transactions: Current Trends and
Challenges".
(xv)
Awareness workshop for lawyers and judges in Nigeria organised by the
Constitutional Rights Project (CRP) (held June 20, 2003) in Lagos
Title of paper presented:
I. O. Smith: Constitutional and Legal Framework for the protection of
Human Rights in Nigeria.
(xvi)
Risk Management Practices in Financial Institutions organised by the
Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) (6-8 October, 2003)
Title of paper presented:
I. O. Smith: "Roles of the Judiciary in Risk Management in Financial
Institutions"
(xvii) National workshop on Administration of justice and Human Rights in
Nigeria organised by the Constitutional Rights Project (CRP) in
collaboration with the Global opportunities Fund, British High
Commission, Abuja (9 - 12 March 2005).
Title of Paper presented:
I.O. Smith: "Constitutional and Statutory Framework for the
Protection and Enforcement of Human Rights in
Nigeria: An appraisal".
12.
PUBLIC LECTURES DELIVERED AT IALS UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
(i)
Public lecture organised by the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies,
University of London U. K.(20 October 1997).
Title of Lecture:
I. O. Smith: "Environment Planning and Management in the
Developing World: An assessment of the Laws, Policies
and Practices."
(ii)
Public lecture organised by the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and
the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London, U. K. (14
October 1999).
Title of Lecture:
I. O. Smith: "Corporate Social Responsibility Towards a Healthier
Environment in the
Next Millennium: How Prepared is Nigeria?"
(iii)
Public lecture organised by the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies,
University of London U. K. (23 October 2000).
Title of Lecture:
I. O. Smith:
(iv)
New Dimension in the Law of Secured Credit: Another
effect of Globalisation?
Public lecture organised by the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies,
University of London, U. K. (9 October 2001).
Title of Lecture:
I. O. Smith:
(v)
Towards a Human Rights Convention on Persons with
Disabilities.
Public lecture organised by the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies,
University of London U. K. (16 October 2003)
Title of lecture:
I. O. Smith:
(vi)
Power to make Planning Laws in a Federation: The
Nigerian experience.
Public lecture organised by the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies,
University of London,U.K (24 November, 2005)
Title of lecture:
I.O. Smith:
“Terrorism, pre-emptive self defence and State interests:
What challenges for contemporary international legal
order?
13.
PUBLICATIONS
A.
Inaugural Lecture:
I. O. Smith: Sidelining orthodoxy in quest for reality: Towards an efficient
Legal regime of Land Tenure in Nigeria. 194th edition, Inaugural
Lecture series of the University of Lagos-Nigeria (2008) University
of Lagos Press.
B.
i.
Books
I. O. Smith: The Law of Real Property in Nigeria (1995) The Law Centre,
Lagos State University.
ii.
I. O. Smith: Practical Approach to Law of Real Property in Nigeria (1999)
Ecowatch Publications Ltd, Lagos-Nigeria; 2nd ed. (2007)
iii.
I. O. Smith : The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999
Annotated (2001) Ecowatch Publications Ltd, Lagos- Nigeria; 2nd
ed. (2006)
iv.
I. O. Smith: Nigerian Law of Secured Credit. (2001) Ecowatch Publications
Ltd, Lagos- Nigeria.
C.
Chapters in Books
v.
I. O. Smith/C.A. Alade:
(1991) Taslim Olawale Elias: A Jurist of Distinction
Lagos State University, Chapters 3 - 8, pp. 39-141
vi.
I. O. Smith:
(1996) "Enforcement of Judgment in possession
matters: A critical appraisal of the strange
procedure in Lagos State" in Oretuyi et. al. (eds.)
Selected Essays on the Nigerian Law of Landlord
and Tenant. The Law Centre, Lagos State
University, Chapter 13, pp. 214 - 224.
vii.
I. O. Smith:
(1996) "Liability of Tenants holding over: Mesne
profits or compensation for use and occupation?" in
Oretuyi et. al. (eds.) Selected Essays on the
Nigerian Law of Landlord and Tenant. The Law
Centre, Lagos State University, Chapter 8 pp.101 –
113
viii.
I. O. Smith:
(1997) "Sustainable Development and
Environmental Diplomacy:Reconciling economic
growth with environmental protection by the year
2000 and beyond” in Simpson et al. (eds.)
Environmental Law and Policy Faculty of Law,
Lagos State University, Chapter 16 pp. 244 - 282.
ix.
I. O. Smith:
(1998) "Rights in real security and creditors
protection in Nigeria" in Fagbohun et. al. (eds)
Developments and Reforms: Nigeria's Commercial
Laws. Faculty of Law, Lagos State University,
Chapter 11 pp. 137 - 164.
x.
I. O. Smith:
(2003) "Globalisation of security: Problems and
prospects" in Securities in a Global Economy:
Challenges and Prospects. Department of Private
and Property Law, University of Lagos, Chapter 1
pp. 1-26.
xi.
I. O. Smith:
(2003) "The Certificate of Occupancy: Nature and
Value" in The Land Use Act: Twenty-Five Years
After. Department of Private and Property Law,
University of Lagos, Chapter 7 pp. 265-297.
xii
I. O. Smith:
(2004) "Resource Control in a Federation : The
Nigerian Experience" in Law and Development in
Nigeria; Ecowatch Publications (Nig) Ltd, Chapter
11 pp.107-132.
D.
Articles Already Published
xiii.
I. O. Smith:
(1987) "Legal Transplant in a Developing Society:
A Critical Appraisal of
the Reception of English Law in Nigeria." LASU
Law Publications vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 1 - 24.
xiv.
I. O. Smith:
(1988) "The Usefulness of the doctrine of Ultra
Vires in modern Company Law: Protection of
investors and creditors in focus." LASU
Jurist
vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 76 - 82.
xv.
I. O. Smith:
(1988) "Mortgage of land in Nigeria today: A myth
or reality?" LASU Jurist vol. 1 No.1, pp.22-29
xvi.
I. O. Smith:
(1989) "The Efficacy of Agricultural Charge as a
form of security in Nigeria." Gravitas Review of
Business and Property Law vol. 2, No. 10, pp. 6973.
xvii.
I. O. Smith:
(June 1990) "Effects of the Land Use Act on
customary land tenure system in Nigeria". Journal
of contemporary legal problems, Jus. vol. 2, No. 6,
pp. 119 - 126.
xviii. I. O. Smith:
(Dec. 1990) "The Relevance of Ultra Vires doctrine
in Nigerian Company Law." (A review of the
doctrine under the Companies and Allied Matters
Act 1990)." Journal of Contemporary Legal
Problems Jus. vol. 1, No.8, pp. 97 - 107.
xix.
I. O. Smith:
(Oct. - Dec. 1991), "The Status of Customary
Landlord and Tenant under the Land Use Act." The
Gravitas Review of Business and Property Law vol.
4, No. 17, pp. 61 - 66.
xx.
I. O. Smith:
(1991) "Recent judicial pronouncements on the
Illiterates protection Law in Nigeria." The LASU
Law Journal vol. II No. 1, pp. 95 - 99.
xxi.
I. O. Smith:
(1992/93) "The scope and Application of the
concept of statutory tenancy in Nigeria: A critical
appraisal." The LASU Law Journal vol. III, No. 1,
pp. 65 - 80.
xxii.
I. O. Smith:
(1993) "Inability to pay debt as a ground for
winding up a Company – IMB v. Speegaffs Co.
(Nig.) Ltd." The LASU Law Journal vol. 1 No. 1,
pp. 91 - 96.
xxiii. I. O. Smith:
(1994/97). "Equitable mortgages and the consent
provisions of the Land Use Act: A review of the
decision in Okuneye v. First Bank (Nig.) Plc". The
LASU Law Journal vol. IV pp. 82-86.
xxiv. I. O. Smith:
(1997) "Security of title to land in Nigeria: Any
hope for the future?" Law and Development,
Faculty of Law Lagos State University pp.45-67.
xxv.
I. O. Smith:
(1997) "Environmental Pollution, dispute resolution
and access to justice in Nigeria: Which way
forward?". W.G. Hart Law Review series, Institute
of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London.
U. K.vol.1 pp.1-25.
xxvi. I. O. Smith:
(1998) "Rent Control in Lagos State: An evaluation
of the Rent control and Recovery of Residential
Premises Edict No 6 of 1997". Nigerian Law and
Practice Journal vol. 2, No. 1 pp. 25-42.
xxvii. I. O. Smith:
(1999) "Privity of Contract and continuing liability
of tenants in leases: Need for Reform in Nigeria".
University of Benin Law Journal vol. 4 (1996/99)
pp. 148-174.
xxviii I. O. Smith:
(1999) "The jurisdiction of State High Courts and
section 41 of the Land Use Act: The need for a
judicial rethink." Nigerian Law and Practice Journal
vol. 3, No.1 pp. 1-17.
xxix. I. O. Smith:
(Jan. 2000) "Corporate Social Responsibility:
Towards a Healthier Environment." Modern
Practice Journal of Finance and Investment Law
vol. 4. No. 1 pp. 22 - 40.
xxx. I. O. Smith:
(2000) "Agreement not to evict tenant post
possession order: A situation of tolerated trespass or
a new tenancy?" The LASU Law Journal vol. V,
pp.1-12.
xxxi. I. O. Smith:
(2000/2001) "Agency of the Receiver in the law of
mortgages: The nature and scope of Receiver's
obligations". University of Benin Law Journal vol 6
No. 1 pp. 29-44.
xxxii I. O. Smith:
(Oct. 2000) "Artificiality of Mortgage law and
Agency of the Receiver: An Overview." Nigerian
Law and Practice Journal vol. 4 No. 2. pp. 14-25.
xxxiii. I. O. Smith:
(2000) "Effect of ouster clauses on the Application
of African Charter on Human and People's Rights
under a Military Regime: The Nigerian experience".
Review of the African Commission on Human and
Peoples' Rights.
xxxiv. I. O. Smith:
(Sept./Oct.2002) "Towards a Human Rights
Convention on Persons with Disabilities: Problems
and Prospects". Journal of the Society for Advanced
Legal Studies, University of London pp 8-14.
xxxv. I. O. Smith:
(2002/2003)" SecuredCredit Transactions: Current
Trends and Challenges” The Nigerian Journal of
Private and Commercial Law OOU Vol. 3-6 pp. 70106.
xxxvi. I. O. Smith:
(Jan. 2003) "The Relevance of Adverse Possession
under the Registration of Titles Law in Lagos
State." Journal of Private and Property Law
University of Lagos vol. 22 pp. 23-42.
xxxvii.
I. O. Smith:
(July 2003) "Alienation of Interest in land by a joint
tenant: Conceptual difficulties and Legal
implications". Journal of Private and Property Law,
University of Lagos vol. 23 pp. 43-52.
xxxviii I. O. Smith:
(July 2003) "A Review of recent decisions of the
Supreme Court on the true import of section 5(2) of
the Land Use Act". Journal of Private and Property
Law, University of Lagos vol. 23 pp. 179-188.
xxxix.
(Jan 2004) "Power to make Planning Laws in a
Federation: The Nigerian experience". Journal of
Private and Property Law, University of Lagos vol.
24 pp.14-28
I. O. Smith:
xl.
I. O. Smith:
(July 2004) "Title to land in the former Federal
Capital Territory of Lagos: Matters Arising".
Journal of Private and Property Law, University of
Lagos vol. 25 pp.12-27
xli.
I.O. Smith:
(2006) “Terrorism, Pre-emptive self defence and
State interests: What challenges for contemporary
international legal order? Issue No.67 Journal of the
Institute of Advance Legal Studes, University of
London U.K..
xlii
I. O. Smith:
(2007) “ Nature, Scope and Limitations of Real
Property Rights post Land Use Act 1978: An
Overview”. Law and Land Rights in Nigeria,
Faculty of Law, University of Lagos pp.1-28
xliii
I. O. Smith
(2009) “Statutory Requirement of Consent as an
instrument of fraud in Nigeria: The case of
Ayodare & Anor v. Union Bank Plc in perspective”
Journal of Private and Property Law, University of
Lagos pp.1-26.
xlix I. O. Smith
E.
Book Review
l.
I. O. Smith:
(2009) “Recurring Issues in the Law of Landlord
and Tenant and proceedings for Recovery of
Possession in the Magistrates Courts in Lagos
State” Journal of Private and Property Law,
University of Lagos pp. 32-46
(1990) "Nigerian Law of Real Property: An
Introduction" by A.A.Utuama (Shaneson Concise
University series) The LASU Law Journal vol. 1,
No. 1, pp. 97 - 99.
li
I. O. Smith:
F.
Books, Journal and Law Report Edited
(i)
(1995). "The Law of Landlord and Tenant" by
Emeka Chianu (Oliz Publishers). Current Law
Review (1994) Journal of the Nigerian Institute of
Advanced Legal Studies pp. 157 - 170.
Title: Selected Essays on the Nigerian Law of Landlord and Tenant
Publisher/Date of Publication: The Law Centre, Lagos State University
(1996)
Co-editors:
(ii)
S.A. Oretuyi, I. O. Smith and O.A. Fagbohun
Title: Securities in a Global Economy: Challenges and prospects.
Publisher/Date of Publication: Department of private and Property Law,
University of Lagos (2003)
Editor: I. O. Smith
(iii)
Title: The Land Use Act: Twenty-Five Years After.
Publisher/Date of Publication:
University of Lagos (2003)
Department of Private and Property Law,
Editor: I. O. Smith
(iv)
Title: Journal of Private and Property Law.
Publisher/Date of Publication: Department of Private and Property Law,
University of Lagos (2001-2004).
Editor in Chief: I. O. Smith
(v)
Title: Law and Development in Nigeria.
Publisher/Date of Publication: Ecowatch Publications (Nig) Ltd
(Nov. 2004)
Editor: I. O. Smith
(vi)
Title: Federation Weekly Law Report
Publisher/Date of Publication: New Century Publishers, Lagos
(2004-date)
Editor in Chief: I. O. Smith
(vii)
Title: Nigerian Law Journal
Publisher/Date of Publication: Association of Nigerian Law Teachers
(2005-date)
Editor: I.O. Smith.
14.
REFEREES
i.
Prof. Mashood Baderin
Head, Department of Law
School of Oriental and African Studies
University of London.
ii
Hon. Justice S.M.A.Belgore
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria
Belgore Compound
Ilorin
Kwara State of Nigeria.