Jadesola Akande was a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, academic, and human rights activist, celebrated as the nation's first female professor of law. In 1989, she broke new ground by becoming the first female Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), a position she held until 1993.

She was also deeply committed to advancing women's rights and social justice. She co-founded the Women Law & Development Centre (WLDC), raising awareness of the civil and legal rights of women and Nigerians in general. Her dedication to legal education also led to the establishment of a Family Law Centre in 1984, providing free legal aid to underserved populations.

Her expertise was further recognised through appointments to major national committees, including the Constitutional Review Committee of 1987 and the Presidential Panel on National Security in 2000. Her scholarly contributions, including *Laws and Customs Affecting Women's Status in Nigeria*, reflect her commitment to gender equality and legal reform.