The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan has appointed Professor Peter Olapegba as the new Vice Chancellor of the institution.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday after the completion of a selection process involving several candidates. Professor Olapegba becomes the 14th Vice Chancellor of Nigeria’s premier university and is expected to officially assume office on December 1, 2026.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Bisi Akande, said the selection process was transparent, competitive and based on merit. According to him, eight candidates initially applied for the position after two additional applications were received before the close of the process.
Akande explained that the Governing Council met with all eight candidates on Tuesday, July 21, to assess their qualifications, experience and plans for the university. Following the preliminary assessment, five candidates were shortlisted for the final stage of the exercise.
The shortlisted candidates were interviewed on Wednesday by the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board. After what the council described as a thorough and highly competitive process, Professor Olapegba emerged as the most suitable candidate for the position.
Professor Olapegba is a respected academic in the Department of Psychology under the Faculty of Social Sciences. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a scholar and administrator with extensive experience in university management. Before his appointment, he served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration, a position that gave him significant responsibility in the day-to-day running of the institution.
His emergence is expected to usher in a new phase of leadership at the University of Ibadan as the institution continues efforts to strengthen teaching, research and community service. Many members of the university community are hopeful that his experience in administration and academic leadership will help advance the university’s goals.
Professor Olapegba competed against several distinguished academics for the position. Among them were Professor Adeyinka Aderinto of the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Professor Adebola Ekanola of the Faculty of Arts, who previously served as Acting Vice Chancellor of the university. Other qualified candidates also participated in the selection process.
The University of Ibadan, founded in 1948, remains one of Africa’s leading higher institutions and has produced many notable scholars, public servants and professionals.
The appointment of a new Vice Chancellor is considered a major milestone because the office plays a crucial role in shaping the university’s academic direction, administration and future development.
With his appointment confirmed, attention will now turn to Professor Olapegba’s plans for the institution as he prepares to take over leadership later this year.
Many stakeholders are expected to watch closely as the incoming Vice Chancellor outlines his vision for sustaining the university’s reputation for academic excellence and innovation.
