Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, SAN, Life Bencher, FNIALS, Chartered Arbitrator
Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama stands as an emblem of legal brilliance, visionary leadership, and steadfast dedication to national growth. His appointment as Chancellor of Newgate University, Minna signals a transformative era marked by academic excellence, ethical grounding, and progressive leadership.
A Trailblazer in Legal Practice and Arbitration
Chief Gadzama began his distinguished legal journey at the University of Maiduguri, graduating in 1985 as the best student in the Common Law Department. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986, he made history in 1998 by becoming the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from the University of Maiduguri and the entire Northeastern region.
To enhance his expertise, he pursued a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from Keble College, Oxford University (2006), and further studied at the Institute for Public-Private Partnerships in Washington, D.C., and the London School of Economics and Political Science.
As the Founding Principal Partner of J-K Gadzama LLP, he has provided exceptional legal counsel to a wide spectrum of clients, including multinational corporations and key government agencies. He has served notably as Lead Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Legal Consultant to the Bureau of Public Enterprises.
Champion of Alternative Dispute Resolution
Chief Gadzama is a highly respected figure in arbitration and mediation. A Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, he has contributed immensely to the evolution of ADR in Nigeria. He chairs the Board of Trustees of the Janada International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (JICAM) and actively engages in global arbitration forums.
National and Traditional Honours
His distinguished service has earned him prestigious national honors — Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). He holds revered traditional titles, including Shettima Ilmuye of Borno, Sardauna of Uba, and Bobajiro of Akure Kingdom, reflecting his deep-rooted influence across Nigerian communities.
He was also honored with the Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna Sokoto Platinum Leadership Award by the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, in recognition of his dedication to youth development and judicial reform.
Mentor and Advocate for Legal Education
Beyond his legal practice, Chief Gadzama is passionate about mentoring the next generation. As Chairman of the Mentoring Committee for Young Lawyers under the Nigerian Body of Benchers, he plays a vital role in shaping future legal minds. His mentorship emphasizes innovation, technology integration, and professional ethics in legal practice.
Chancellor of Newgate University, Minna
In his new role as Chancellor, Chief Gadzama brings unmatched expertise, a global perspective, and a passion for excellence. His leadership is set to elevate Newgate University into a center of knowledge, leadership, and societal impact. Under his guidance, the institution is poised to nurture the next generation of thinkers, professionals, and changemakers.
Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama’s lifelong commitment to justice, education, and national service positions him as a beacon of transformative leadership — one that will undoubtedly shape the future of Newgate University and beyond.