University of Ibadan Appoints Prof. Olapegba as 14th Vice-Chancellor.
The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan has appointed Prof. Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as the institution's 14th Vice Chancellor, following a competitive selection process involving eight candidates.
Olapegba, who currently serves as the university's Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, will succeed the incumbent Vice Chancellor when the current tenure ends on November 1, 2026.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday by the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Adebisi Akande, shortly after the council approved the recommendation of the Joint Council Senate Selection Board.
How the Selection Process Began
According to Akande, the process for selecting a new Vice Chancellor began in accordance with the University of Ibadan Act, ahead of the expiration of the incumbent Vice Chancellor's tenure.
The university advertised the position in three national newspapers in April 2026, inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply.
The advertisement attracted six applications. However, the Governing Council decided to broaden the search to ensure that other qualified individuals who did not initially apply could also be considered.
In line with the provisions of the law, the council established a Search Team to identify additional suitable candidates.
The Search Team subsequently identified two more candidates, bringing the total number of candidates considered for the position to eight.
Eight Candidates Considered
Akande explained that the eight candidates were engaged by the Governing Council on Tuesday, July 21, as part of the initial assessment stage.
Each candidate was evaluated independently using criteria approved for the selection exercise.
Following the assessment, the field was reduced from eight candidates to five who were ranked according to merit.
The five shortlisted candidates then proceeded to the final stage of the selection process.
Final Interviews
The final stage was conducted by a Selection Board comprising two members of the Governing Council and two representatives elected by the Senate.
The board interviewed the five shortlisted candidates on Wednesday before reaching its recommendation.
Following the interviews and assessment, the board recommended Olapegba as the candidate considered most suitable for the position of Vice Chancellor.
The Governing Council subsequently considered and unanimously endorsed the recommendation.
Akande described the entire exercise as thorough, transparent and highly competitive, noting that the university followed the required procedures throughout the process.
Who Is Prof. Peter Olapegba?
Prof. Peter Olamakinde Olapegba is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Ibadan.
Before his appointment as Vice Chancellor, he served as the institution's Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, giving him extensive experience in the university's academic and administrative operations.
His appointment means the next Vice Chancellor will be taking over with significant knowledge of the institution's internal structure and ongoing administrative responsibilities.
As the head of Nigeria's premier university, Olapegba will be responsible for providing academic and administrative leadership while overseeing the institution's continued development.
Taking Over in November
Olapegba is expected to formally assume office on November 1, 2026, following the completion of the incumbent Vice Chancellor's tenure.
His appointment comes at a significant period for Nigerian universities, which continue to face challenges involving funding, research development, infrastructure, staff welfare, international competitiveness and the need to strengthen links between academic research and national development.
The new Vice Chancellor will therefore inherit the responsibility of building on the university's existing achievements while addressing emerging challenges within the higher education sector.
Council Expresses Confidence
Presenting the appointment, Akande expressed confidence in Olapegba's ability to lead the institution and wished him success during his tenure.
The unanimous endorsement by the Governing Council followed a selection process designed to assess the candidates based on established criteria rather than simply relying on the initial applications received.
The inclusion of candidates identified through the Search Team also allowed the university to broaden the pool of individuals considered for the leadership position.
What the Appointment Means for UI
The University of Ibadan remains one of Nigeria's most prominent institutions of higher learning, with a long history of academic research, professional training and contribution to national development.
The appointment of Olapegba marks the beginning of a new leadership chapter for the institution.
As Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, he has already been involved in the university's management and administration. His new role will require him to provide broader leadership across academic, research and administrative areas.
His tenure is expected to attract attention from students, staff, alumni and stakeholders within Nigeria's education sector, particularly as universities increasingly seek to improve research output, innovation, global partnerships and graduate employability.
With the Governing Council describing the selection process as transparent and competitive, Prof. Peter Olamakinde Olapegba now prepares to take on the responsibility of leading the University of Ibadan as its 14th Vice Chancellor from November 1, 2026.