By IBUKUN EMIOLA

The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan (UI), on Wednesday, ratified the appointment of Prof. Peter Olapegba as the new Vice-Chancellor elect of the institution.

Olapegba before his appointment was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration of the institution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the selection process, which was conducted behind closed doors, commenced on Tuesday with the screening and interview of candidates seeking to head Nigeria’s premier university.

The university, in a statement by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Adebisi Akande said that the process for appointing a new vice-chancellor commenced after advertisements were placed in three national newspapers in April 2026.

Akande said six applications were received following the advertisement, while the Search Team, constituted in line with the University Act, attracted two additional applications, bringing the total number of candidates to eight.

According to him, the Governing Council interacted with all eight candidates on Tuesday, July 21, and shortlisted the five best candidates, in order of merit, for the final interview conducted by the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board on Wednesday.

He said the Selection Board conducted a “thorough, transparent and highly competitive” interview, at the end of which Prof. Peter Olapegba emerged as the best candidate for the position.

Akande added that the Governing Council subsequently approved the recommendation of the Selection Board, appointing Olapegba as the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, with effect from Nov. 1.

NAN reports that others interviewed were Prof. Abideen Aderinto, also a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor; Prof. Adebola Ekanola, who had acted as Vice-Chancellor and Prof. Yinka Omigbodun; Provost, College of Medicine, UI.

The identity of the fifth candidate could not be independently confirmed by NAN.

The incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale’s tenure is expected to expire on Oct. 31. (NAN)

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