The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan (UI) has approved the appointment of Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as the institution’s 14th Vice-Chancellor after a competitive selection process involving eight candidates.

Announcing the decision on Wednesday, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Adebisi Akande, said the appointment followed the council’s approval of the recommendation of the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board.

Akande explained that the process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor began in accordance with the provisions of the University Act ahead of the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor on November 1, 2026.

He noted that advertisements inviting applications for the position were published in three national newspapers in April 2026, attracting six applicants.

To widen the search, the Governing Council constituted a Search Team, as required by law, to identify other qualified candidates who had yet to apply. The exercise produced two additional applications, raising the total number of candidates to eight.

According to the Pro-Chancellor, the council met with all eight candidates on Tuesday, July 21, with members independently assessing and scoring them in line with approved guidelines.

The assessment, he said, produced five candidates who were shortlisted in order of merit for the final stage of the selection process.

Akande further disclosed that the council nominated two of its members to serve on the Selection Board, while the University Senate had earlier elected two representatives to participate in the exercise.

At the final stage, the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board interviewed the five shortlisted candidates on Wednesday before recommending Olapegba as the most suitable candidate for the position.

Describing the exercise, Akande said the selection process was “thorough, transparent and highly competitive,” adding that the Governing Council unanimously endorsed the recommendation of the Selection Board.

“It is, therefore, my pleasure to present to you the 14th Vice-Chancellor of this great university, the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba. We wish him success in his tenure,” he said.

With the appointment, Olapegba will take over from the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, whose tenure ends on November 1, 2026.

Before his elevation, Olapegba served as the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Ibadan.

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Here are 8 things you should know about University of Ibadan’s new Vice-Chancellor Prof. Peter Olapegba:

1. Birth and origin

Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba was born on January 26, 1970, in Ibadan, Oyo State. He hails from Igbole Quarters in Igboora, Oyo State.

2. Early education

He began his primary education at Anglican Church Primary School, Ilutitun, in present-day Ondo State, before completing it at St. Paul’s African Primary School, Lanlate. He later attended Lanlate High School for his secondary education.

3. University education

Olapegba studied at the University of Ibadan, where he earned his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Psychology.

4. Academic career

He joined the University of Ibadan as an Assistant Lecturer in 2000 and rose steadily through the academic ranks before attaining the position of Professor of Psychology in 2014.

5. Leadership roles

Over the years, he has held several strategic positions within the university, including Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, Director of Alumni Relations, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).

6. Research and academic achievements

Prof. Olapegba has secured several research grants and fellowships, authored three books, published more than 110 scholarly articles, supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, and served on the editorial boards of reputable academic journals.

7. Professional recognition

He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Psychological Association and has contributed to the development of higher education through his service on several university governing councils and professional bodies.

8. Family life and appointment

A devout Christian, Prof. Olapegba is married with children. He is the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the 78-year-old University of Ibadan. (The Nation)

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