DECADES OF OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO LEGAL SCHOLARSHIP EARN UFH LAW ACADEMIC A C2 NRF RATING

Professor Patrick Osode, a revered scholar in Mercantile Law at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), has been awarded a C2 National Research Foundation (NRF) Rating for his exceptional contributions to legal scholarship.

This esteemed accolade highlights Prof Osode's profound impact on the field of law and reaffirms his standing as a preeminent authority in various aspects of legal studies.

According to the NRF, a C2 rating is awarded to an applicant when all reviewers are firmly convinced that the applicant is an established researcher with a sustained recent record of producing a body of quality work, the core of which has coherence and attests to ongoing engagement with the field. They are also recognized as having demonstrated the ability to conceptualize problems and apply research methods to investigate them.

With an illustrious academic journey spanning decades, Prof Osode's scholarly pursuits have been marked by a relentless commitment to excellence and a profound dedication to advancing legal knowledge.

Holding degrees from esteemed institutions including the University of Jos, University of Lagos, and the University of Toronto, Prof Osode's academic history reflects a deep reservoir of expertise and a thirst for intellectual inquiry.

His association with the Fort Hare dates back to 1996 when he joined as a senior lecturer in Mercantile Law. Since then, his elevation within the academic ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. Rising to the positions of associate professor in 2002 and professor in 2004.

In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Prof Osode has played pivotal administrative roles within the academic community. He served as the executive dean of the Faculty, Director of the School of Law, Managing Editor of Speculum Juris, Head of Department for Mercantile Law, and the University’s Interim Registrar.

Beyond academics, his contributions to the legal community are manifold. He is a distinguished member of the International Academy of Commercial and Consumer Law (IACCL), where his insights have enriched global discourse on commercial and consumer jurisprudence.

Additionally, his tenure as the Honorary Secretary for the Society of Law Teachers of Southern Africa (SLTSA) from 1999 to 2003 emphasizes his commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the legal fraternity.

Throughout his career, Prof Osode has been a prolific author and editor, with numerous publications to his name. Notable among these are his co-authored book "Government Liability - South Africa and the Commonwealth" (2010) and his co-edited volume "Law and Transformative Justice in Post-Apartheid South Africa" (2010). Moreover, his extensive repertoire of law journal articles and book chapters attests to his scholarly acumen and wide-ranging research interests.

His research agenda is characterized by its breadth and depth, encompassing areas such as corporate law, securities regulation, public procurement, international trade law, and government liability. His influential contributions in these domains have not only advanced theoretical understanding but have also had practical implications for legal practice and policy formulation.

According to him, the overarching objective of his research is to produce work that advocates for and supports reform, application and interpretation or re-interpretation of Commercial Law related rules and regulations in ways that seek to balance technical regulatory soundness and efficiency of the rules/regulatory frameworks. “While, as much as possible, simultaneously facilitating the attainment of practical, ground-level outcomes that are consistent with the values and socio-political goals of maximizing economic inclusion, equity, good governance, meaningful respect for human rights and sustainable development.”

His current research projects are focused on aspects of the Law of Business Rescue and Financial Markets Regulation, which are prominent parts of the broader corporate and commercial law area.

As a mentor and supervisor, Prof. Osode has nurtured the next generation of legal scholars, guiding and inspiring numerous master's and doctoral students in their academic pursuits. Among his several achievements or milestones that stand him, he highlighted reaching the number 60 in terms of publications, the publication of his co-authored Juta book publication on Public Authority Liability (in South Africa and the Commonwealth), and his admission as a member of the International Academy of Commercial and Consumer Law.

The cherry on the cake for him is the recent publication, by Juta, of the book “Enforcing Accountability, Consolidating Democracy and Compelling Sustainable Development,” co-edited with Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, Prof. Mzukisi Njotini (UFH Dean of Law), Prof. Enyinna Nwauche, and Prof. Nomthandazo Ntlama-Makhanya.

“The award of the NRF rating is inspiring in its way. It certainly provides a new and fresh source of inspiration to keep on doing and striving to produce one’s best work in terms of research and writing, postgraduate supervision, and mentoring,” he said.