The Ottawa-based lawyer, longtime public servant, and Senior Fellow (program lead) for the Faculty’s new Board of Directors Certificate Program has been appointed Deputy Minister and Deputy Attorney General of Nova Scotia.
But he isn’t leaving behind his remarkable devotion to the Black community, legal profession and law students.
In fact, he feels a special obligation to continue that groundbreaking work in his new job.
His appointment was announced last month by Premier Tim Houston.
“Coming back to Nova Scotia is genuinely energizing,” Ikejiani says. “This province has always had a strong sense of purpose, and what stands out most to me is the people and the communities. There is a generosity of spirit here, a practical optimism, and a willingness to work together that I think is one of Nova Scotia’s greatest strengths.
“On a personal level, reconnecting with friends and family is incredibly meaningful. Professionally, it is a privilege to return home at a moment when the province is looking forward and strengthening its institutions. Nova Scotia has a bright future, and being able to contribute to that through public service is something I cherish and take very seriously.”
The certified environmental specialist returns to his home province with over 27 years of distinguished legal and regulatory experience with the Department of Justice Canada.
His parents migrated from Nigeria to Canada in the early 1970s. His late father, Dr. Okechukwu Ikejiani, was a distinguished pathologist and scholar who was educated in Canada and the United States in the 1930s before returning to Nigeria to contribute to the growth of medicine, higher education, and the strengthening of critical national institutions. His mother, Patricia Ikejiani, earned degrees in sociology and criminology at Cape Breton University.
“Education was always a central pillar in our household. My parents placed enormous importance on learning and encouraged me to aim high.
“They also saw early on that I was drawn to problem solving, debate, and public issues, which they thought might one day translate into a profession like law. I was fortunate as well to have two uncles who were lawyers, and their example made the path feel tangible rather than abstract.”
“Being exposed to that world early helped demystify the profession and reinforced the idea that a legal career could be a way to serve the public and make a constructive contribution to society. la société.”
Alex Ikejiani
— Deputy Minister of Justice
He grew up in Glace Bay, a mining community in the eastern part of Cape Breton.
“Growing up in Glace Bay was the foundation for much of what I value today. It shaped my understanding of discipline, resilience, and the importance of community from an early age. Those lessons stay with you. People look out for one another, and there is a strong sense of responsibility to contribute, not just to your own success, but to the wellbeing of those around you.”
While attending law school at Dalhousie University, he was involved with the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) and served as President of the Dalhousie chapter of the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada (BLSA) and as Vice President for the Eastern Region at the national level, and helped organize national conferences and related initiatives.
“From its early days, CABL has played an important role in mentoring Black law students and lawyers, and in strengthening the profession more broadly. For me, it was both a source of encouragement and a touchstone as I navigated the early stages of my career, and I remain genuinely grateful for that.”
After graduation from Dalhousie, he worked with the Business/Regulatory Portfolio of the Department of Justice Canada, specializing in environmental law, regulatory prosecutions and ocean and resource management.
The work of the 54-year-old father of two focuses on ESG, risk assessment, and board governance. He serves on the boards of the Sport Integrity Canada and Learning for a Sustainable Future.
His expertise includes environmental law, regulatory compliance, and advising on major projects across sectors such as energy (renewable and non-renewable), mining, and oil and gas.
He is a Law Society of Ontario Certified Specialist in Environmental Law and has served as lead counsel on major federal initiatives, including regulations for Marine Protected Areas under the Oceans Act.
In Ottawa he helped launch the Ottawa chapter of CABL and has continued to mentor younger members and students.
“The association played an important role in shaping my professional path, and I have always felt a responsibility to extend that same support to the next generation.”
Here at the Faculty, his interdisciplinary teaching has spanned the law, science, and business faculties.
“I think the idea of being a role model is an interesting one, because in many ways we all carry that responsibility, whether we seek it out or not.
“I certainly feel a sense of responsibility to my family, my community, and to young people who are coming up behind me, to conduct myself in a way that reflects the values I was raised with and the standards of the profession.
“More than anything, I think there is real value in showing students and early career professionals that success is attainable and that there are many different paths through the legal profession and public service. Encouragement, practical advice, and simply being willing to share experiences can make a significant difference.
“I remain connected with graduates from a variety of faculties as they enter legal practice, join the public service, serve on boards of directors, or launch their own businesses—an ongoing engagement I take seriously and consider a privilege.”
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said in a CBC interview that he was connected with Ikejiani through mutual friends.
“He’s a very, very talented person,” the premier said.
“Any time you get a chance to get a good person who cares about the province help out with running government, it’s a good thing. So I’m very pleased.”
Ikejiani is acutely aware of his home province’s complex history in its relationships with Black communities and approaches his new role with “a strong sense of responsibility and respect for the institution and for the public service more broadly.
“Reflecting on those who have held similar roles before me reinforces the importance of continuity, stewardship, and professionalism in senior leadership. Serving in Nova Scotia’s public service is both personally meaningful and professionally significant, particularly because of the trust that comes with overseeing institutions that matter deeply to Nova Scotians.
“I am also conscious of the broader context around representation in senior leadership more generally, and that awareness reinforces for me the importance of approaching this position with humility, professionalism, and a clear focus on serving the public.
“My focus is on serving Nova Scotians, strengthening the justice system, and supporting the dedicated public servants across the department who do that work every day. I view this not as a personal milestone, but as an opportunity to contribute to the long-term health and integrity of an institution that matters deeply to the people it serves.”
Steve Higham, Senior Manager, Innovation and Strategy, at the Faculty, has worked closely with Alex over the past two years on the development of the Certificate.
“He is among the most positive, thoughtful, and professional colleagues I have had the pleasure to work with,” says Higham.
“I consider Alex a colleague, a mentor, and a friend. I’m thrilled for him personally and genuinely pleased for the Province of Nova Scotia.
“Few people combine professionalism, approachability, and a deep commitment to justice as consistently as Alex does.”
Steve Higham
— Senior Lead, Business Strategy and Planning
The Board of Directors Certificate: Legal and Ethical Governance is a practice-focused program designed to help professionals build their legal knowledge, ethical judgment and governance skills. This intensive, case-based program equips executives and professionals with practical governance strategies for the Canadian context as well as crisis management techniques and conflict resolution skills that are essential for today’s complex board environments.
“Alex often speaks candidly about how valuable board education would have been earlier in his career. That perspective has been a guiding principle in shaping the Board of Directors Certificate -- ensuring the program delivers high-quality, practical training in a way that is both accessible and flexible.”
Garrick Apollon, Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Faculty, has known Alex for more than 20 years, first as a mentor and then as a “trusted friend.”
“Even early in my legal career, his guidance helped shape my approach to complex legal issues, and over time our relationship became truly reciprocal — we learned from each other. He's a very confident but humble person,” says Apollon.
“Alex has always embodied a growth mindset. Like me, he was a varsity athlete —I played football and he played university basketball, and that competitive spirit for constant improvement has followed him into his legal career.”
Garrick Apollon
— Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Becoming Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General is a tremendous achievement, says Apollon, and “it reflects not only Alex’s intellect and work ethic, but his deep expertise as an environmental law specialist — a designation that’s exceptionally rigorous.”
“I’m incredibly proud of Alex. Nova Scotia is fortunate to have someone of his calibre leading in this role, and I know he will bring thoughtfulness, integrity, and vision to the justice system.”