The University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom has named British-Nigerian Sandie Okoro as its first female Chancellor.
The university described Okoro as one of the nation’s leading lawyers and a champion of equality rights. A statement from the university highlighted her impressive contributions to diversity, equality, and female rights. Currently, she serves as Group General Counsel of Standard Chartered, overseeing the bank’s Legal, Group Corporate Secretariat, and Shared Investigative Services functions.
According to the university, Okoro, an alumna of Birmingham, succeeds Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea CBE, who will step down in July after a decade in the role. She follows in the distinguished footsteps of the Right Honourable Joseph Chamberlain and the Right Honourable Anthony Eden, the Earl of Avon. Okoro is the university’s eighth Chancellor since its founding in 1900.
The university further noted, “Sandie is a proud University of Birmingham alumna, having graduated with a degree in Law and Politics before qualifying as a barrister at City, University of London. After transitioning to a solicitor, she held significant roles, including Head of Legal for Corporate Services at Schroders, Global General Counsel at Barings, and General Counsel for HSBC Global Asset Management. She also served as Senior Vice-President and General Counsel, and Vice-President for Compliance, for the World Bank Group.”
Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, expressed his enthusiasm for Okoro’s appointment: “We are excited to welcome Sandie as our new Chancellor. She is a highly respected trailblazer in the corporate legal sector and a proud University of Birmingham graduate. Her discussions on breaking glass ceilings and aiming high are inspirational and mirror the university’s commitment to championing equality, diversity, and inclusion.”
As Chancellor, Okoro will serve as the ceremonial head of the university, presiding over degree ceremonies and inspiring graduates. She will also engage with the community and stakeholders, advocating for the university to enhance its regional, national, and global reputation.
Upon accepting the position, Sandie Okoro remarked, “The wonderful University of Birmingham is the alma mater to three generations of the Okoros: my mum, me, and my son. My connection to it is very special indeed. I have closely followed the university’s progress since my student days in the 1980s, admiring its dedication to impactful research, its inclusive environment for talented, minority students, and its commitment to educational excellence. I am truly honoured and delighted to be appointed Chancellor. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to give back to the university that has given so much to me and my family.”
Sandie Okoro was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for her services to diversity in international finance.