Historic Achievement: Dehlia Umunna Becomes First Nigerian Law Professor at Harvard University
Dehlia's academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in Communications from California State University, followed by a master's degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She further solidified her academic credentials with a degree in Law from George Washington University Law Center in the United States.
AKACHI NOEL 
In a groundbreaking achievement, 42-year-old Nigerian-American woman Dehlia Umunna has set an extraordinary record as the first Nigerian to attain the position of Law professor at Harvard University.
Dehlia's academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in Communications from California State University, followed by a master's degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She further solidified her academic credentials with a degree in Law from George Washington University Law Center in the United States.
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After graduating from law school, Dehlia dedicated herself to public service by joining the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. Here, she represented numerous underprivileged juveniles and adults. Her commitment to legal education was evident as she served as an Adjunct Professor of Law and Practitioner in Residence at American University and Washington College of Law, where she taught and supervised students in the Civil Clinic.
In 2007, Dehlia became part of the Harvard Law School community, initially working as a Clinical Instructor at the school's Criminal Justice Institute (CJI). Her exemplary contributions led to her appointment as a Law professor at Harvard in 2015.
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Expressing her joy about the appointment, Dehlia emphasized her gratitude for the school's profound dedication to matters concerning criminal justice, mass incarceration, indigent defense, and social justice. She sees this opportunity as a chance to continue work she is genuinely passionate about.
Dehlia Umunna's historic role as the first-ever Nigerian Law professor at Harvard University highlights the importance of diverse voices in academia. Currently serving as the deputy director and clinical instructor at Harvard Law School, she stands as an inspiring figure, breaking barriers and making significant contributions to legal education.
