The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan has appointed Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as the institution’s 14th Vice-Chancellor, following a transparent and competitive selection process concluded on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Olapegba, who currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration at UI, will officially assume office on November 1, 2026, when the tenure of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, expires.
The appointment followed a rigorous process that began with advertisements placed in three national newspapers and the university’s official bulletin in April 2026. Eight candidates in total applied for the position, including two identified through a Search Team constituted to find suitable candidates who may not have applied independently.
On Tuesday, July 21, the Governing Council interacted with all eight candidates and scored them using approved guidelines. Five candidates were subsequently shortlisted for a final interview conducted the following day by a Joint Council-Senate Selection Board. Olapegba emerged as the best candidate at the end of the exercise.
His appointment brings to close a career that began at the University of Ibadan in 2000 as an Assistant Lecturer. He became a full Professor of Psychology in 2014 and has since held key leadership roles including Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
A proud indigene of Igboora, Oyo State, Olapegba has authored three books, published over 110 scholarly articles and secured several research grants during his academic career. He holds the distinctions of Fellow of the Nigerian Psychological Association (FNPA) and Fellow of the Social Science Academy of Nigeria (FSSAN), among other professional recognitions.
The University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university, turns 78 this year.
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