The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan (UI) has appointed Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as the institution’s 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor, following a competitive selection process that drew eight candidates.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman Chief Adebisi Akande, who said the appointment followed the council’s approval of a recommendation from the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board.
According to Akande, he explained that the search for a new vice-chancellor began in April, when advertisements were placed in three national newspapers, drawing six direct applications, while two more candidates emerged through a search team the council was legally required to set up to identify other qualified persons who had not applied.
Akande said the selection board interviewed five shortlisted candidates on Wednesday before recommending Olapegba as the strongest candidate, describing the process as thorough, transparent and highly competitive, and noting that the council approved the recommendation unanimously.
Olapegba is a Professor of Applied Social Psychology and currently serves as the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), and he previously served as Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences before his appointment.
He is known for his expertise in behavioural dynamics, human-centred technology and organisational efficiency.
Olapegba will succeed the incumbent vice-chancellor, whose tenure expires on November 1, 2026. Professor Kayode Adebowale, has served as UI’s 13th vice-chancellor since assuming office in October 2021.
Born on January 26, 1970, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Olapegba began his education at Anglican Church Primary School in Ondo State before completing primary school in 1981 and attending Lanlate High School through 1986.
His appointment marks a new chapter of leadership for one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
