University of Ibadan appoints Prof. Peter Olapegba as 14th Vice-Chancellor

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 following a competitive selection process.

The appointment was announced on Wednesday by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Adebisi Akande, shortly after the council ratified the recommendation of the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board.

Akande said the appointment followed a rigorous and transparent selection exercise conducted in accordance with the provisions of the University of Ibadan Act, ahead of the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor on November 1, 2026.

He explained that the process for appointing a new Vice-Chancellor commenced several months ago to ensure a seamless transition in the university’s leadership.

According to him, advertisements inviting qualified candidates to apply for the position were published in April 2026 in three national newspapers.

READ ALSO; Delta University student declared wanted after allegedly killing younger brother over slippers

The exercise attracted applications from interested candidates, after which the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board screened, assessed and interviewed shortlisted applicants before making its recommendation to the Governing Council.

Following deliberations, the council approved the appointment of Professor Olapegba as the university’s 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor.

His appointment comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s premier university as it seeks to consolidate its reputation for academic excellence, research innovation and institutional development.

Professor Olapegba is expected to assume office upon the completion of the tenure of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor on November 1, 2026.

The University of Ibadan, established in 1948, is Nigeria’s oldest university and remains one of the country’s leading higher institutions, producing generations of scholars, professionals and public servants who have made significant contributions both nationally and internationally.

The new Vice-Chancellor is expected to provide strategic leadership in advancing the university’s teaching, research, innovation and community engagement objectives while strengthening its position as one of Africa’s foremost centres of learning.