Scholar Ifeanyi Umunna Elected As Harvard Law Student Government Co-President

Summary: Nigerian-born scholar Ifeanyi Umunna has been elected Co-President of Harvard Law School’s Student Government for 2026–2027. She brings a strong background in public service, global legal advocacy and academic excellence.

Ifeanyi Ruth Umunna, a Nigerian-born scholar, has been elected Co-President of the Student Government at Harvard Law School for the 2026–2027 academic session. She will serve alongside co-president Tenzin Yonten.

This year’s student government election was administered with support from the Dean of Students Office of Community Engagement, Equity, and Belonging, following changes to the process after a dispute in the previous year.

Reacting to the announcement on LinkedIn, Ifeanyi expressed gratitude to the student body. 

“I am humbled and honoured to have been elected 2026–2027 Harvard Law School Student Government Co-President. Thank you to the student body for believing in our vision. We are ready to serve,” she said.

Before her admission into Harvard, Ifeanyi Ruth Umunna was a 2024 Gates Cambridge Scholar at the University of Cambridge, where she earned a Master of Philosophy degree in Criminology, focusing on international criminal justice systems. She previously worked as a congressional aide to Stephen Lynch, gaining experience in governance and public service that has shaped her leadership journey.

Ifeanyi is also the daughter of Dehlia Umunna, a Clinical Professor of Law at Harvard and Faculty Director of the Criminal Justice Institute. In addition, she was recently awarded the Chayes Fellowship, which will support her internship with the UK’s Public Defender Service, further advancing her work in global legal advocacy.

She studied at American University, graduating summa cum laude in Political Science, and founded a nonprofit focused on bridging the tech gap for justice-involved individuals, showing her commitment to public service and legal advocacy.