Michael Afuye is a Nigerian-qualified lawyer with nearly three years of professional experience in international arbitration and commercial litigation. He was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 2024, where he was recognised as the Best Graduating Student in Professional Ethics and Skills. He was also awarded a scholarship by Lévy Kaufmann-Kohler to pursue his studies at the MIDS.
Before commencing the MIDS, Michael worked as an Associate at Stren & Blan Partners in Lagos, Nigeria, representing African and international clients in domestic and international arbitrations spanning the transportation, agriculture, and construction sectors. His experience includes proceedings conducted under the RCICAL Rules and ad hoc rules substantially reflecting the framework and principles of the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules. He has also handled numerous matters concerning the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards before Nigerian courts under the New York Convention, including one of Nigeria's earliest third-party-funded arbitrations.
In 2025, Michael was inducted as an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK. Afterwards, he was selected as a mentee for the 13th cycle of the Young ICCA Mentoring Programme, where he received professional mentorship from leading practitioners in international commercial arbitration. Beyond legal practice, he regularly organizes arbitration-focused events and supports initiatives aimed at developing the next generation of dispute resolution practitioners.
Michael sees the MIDS as an important step toward his long-term ambition to build a career in international dispute settlement, an interest he has deliberately pursued since his admission to the Nigerian Bar.
Outside his academic and professional life, Michael unwinds by playing the drums and football. Having grown up in Lagos, he is also fascinated by Geneva’s comparatively less chaotic pace of life; a welcome change for a ‘Lagos boy’, even if he is still getting used to it.
Nationality
Nigeria
Working Languages
English
Areas of Expertise
Commercial Arbitration;
Civil and Commercial Litigation;
Enforcement of Arbitral Awards
Bar Information
Abuja, Nigeria, 2024