The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan has appointed Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as the institution’s 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor, following a rigorous and competitive selection process that began in April 2026. The appointment was announced on Wednesday by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Adebisi Akande, shortly after the council approved the recommendation of the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board. The selection process was conducted in line with the provisions of the University Act ahead of the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, on November 1, 2026.
The process commenced with advertisements placed in three national newspapers in April 2026, which attracted six applications from qualified candidates. The Governing Council subsequently constituted a Search Team, as required by law, to identify other suitably qualified academics who had not initially applied. This exercise yielded two additional applications, bringing the total number of candidates to eight. On Tuesday, July 21, the Governing Council met with all eight candidates for a rigorous assessment during which members independently evaluated and scored each candidate in accordance with approved guidelines. At the end of the exercise, five candidates were shortlisted, in order of merit, for the final stage of the selection process.
The Joint Council-Senate Selection Board, which included two members appointed by the Governing Council and two representatives elected by the Senate, interviewed the five shortlisted candidates on Wednesday. Professor Olapegba emerged as the best candidate and was unanimously recommended for the position. Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba is a Professor of Applied Social Psychology in the Department of Psychology, Faculty of the Social Sciences at the University of Ibadan. He currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and has previously served as Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences. He is widely recognised for his scholarship in behavioural dynamics, human-centred technology, and organisational efficiency. In a previous address, he stated that “the only concept of leadership is servanthood. To lead is to serve,” reflecting his philosophy on leadership and service.
Announcing the appointment, Chief Adebisi Akande described the selection exercise as “thorough, transparent and highly competitive.” He added: “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.” Professor Olapegba will assume office on November 1, 2026, becoming the 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Nigeria’s premier university.