Professor Peter Olapegba has officially been appointed as the 14th Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI) following a highly competitive and transparent selection process conducted by the institution’s Governing Council
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s premier university as Professor Olapegba prepares to succeed the outgoing Vice Chancellor, whose tenure ends on November 1, 2026 His emergence follows a rigorous screening involving eight distinguished candidates
With decades of academic excellence, administrative leadership, and research contributions, Professor Olapegba is expected to lead the University of Ibadan into a new era of innovation, academic growth, and institutional development
University of Ibadan Appoints Professor Peter Olapegba as 14th Vice Chancellor
The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan approved the appointment of Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba after the recommendation of the Joint Council Senate Selection Board
The announcement was made by the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Adebisi Akande, who described the selection process as thorough, transparent, and highly competitive
According to the council, the appointment process was conducted in line with the provisions of the University Act ahead of the expiration of the current Vice Chancellor’s tenure on November 1, 2026
Initially, six qualified candidates submitted applications after advertisements were published in three national newspapers A Search Team later, increasing the total number of candidates to eight
After independent assessments, five candidates were shortlisted for the final stage before Professor Olapegba emerged as the most outstanding candidate
Why Professor Peter Olapegba Was Selected
The Governing Council explained that every candidate underwent a detailed evaluation based on approved guidelines
Following interviews conducted by the Joint Council Senate Selection Board, Professor Olapegba received unanimous approval from the Governing Council as the best candidate to lead Nigeria’s oldest university
His vast experience in university administration, academic excellence, and leadership played a significant role in his emergence
Eight Things to Know About Professor Peter Olapegba
1 He Was Born in Oyo State
Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba was born on January 26, 1970, in Ibadan, Oyo State He hails from Igbole Quarters, Igboora, also in Oyo State
2 He Received His Early Education in Ondo and Oyo States
He attended Anglican Church Primary School, Ilutitun, before completing his primary education at St. Paul’s African Primary School, Lanlate He later studied at Lanlate High School
3 He Earned All His Degrees at the University of Ibadan
Professor Olapegba obtained his Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology from the University of Ibadan
His educational journey reflects a lifelong commitment to the institution he will now lead
4 He Built His Academic Career at UI
- He joined the University of Ibadan as an Assistant Lecturer in 2000
- Through dedication and outstanding academic performance, he rose through the ranks and became a Professor Psychology in 2014
5 He Has Held Several Leadership Positions
Before becoming Vice Chancellor, Professor Olapegba served in several strategic leadership roles, including:
- Dean, Faculty of the Social Sciences
- Director of Alumni Relations
- Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration)
These positions provided him with extensive administrative experience
6 He Is an Accomplished Researcher
Professor Olapegba has made remarkable contributions to academic research
His achievements include:
- Authoring three academic books
- Publishing over 110 scholarly journal articles
- Winning several research grants and fellowships
- Supervising numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Serving on editorial boards of respected academic journals
7 He Is Recognized Nationally in Psychology
He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Psychological Association, one of the highest professional recognitions in the field
He has also served on several university governing councils and professional organizations, contributing to higher education policy and development in Nigeria
8 He Is a Family Man and Devout Christian
Professor Olapegba is married with children and is known as a devoted Christian
His appointment as the 14th Vice Chancellor of the 78 year old University of Ibadan marks another major achievement in his distinguished academic career
Expectations as the New University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor
As he prepares to assume office, stakeholders expect Professor Olapegba to strengthen academic excellence, expand research opportunities, improve student welfare, deepen international collaborations, and sustain the University of Ibadan’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading universities
His previous experience in university administration is expected to provide a strong foundation for addressing emerging challenges in Nigeria’s higher education sector
Conclusion
The appointment of Professor Peter Olapegba as the University of Ibadan’s 14th Vice Chancellor represents a new chapter for Nigeria’s premier university
With an impressive academic record, proven leadership experience, and decades of service to the institution, many believe he is well-positioned to build on the university’s legacy of excellence while driving innovation, research, and global competitiveness
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