The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan has appointed Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as the 14th Vice-Chancellor of Nigeria’s premier university following a competitive selection process involving eight candidates.
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.
Akande disclosed that the process for appointing a new Vice-Chancellor commenced 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 explained that advertisements calling for applications were published in April 2026 in three national newspapers, leading to the emergence of Prof. Olapegba after a rigorous selection exercise.
Professor Olapegba, a distinguished Professor of Applied Social Psychology, takes over the leadership of the 78-year-old institution after serving as the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
Born on January 26, 1970, to an Igboora family in Oyo State, Prof. Olapegba began his educational journey at Anglican Church Primary School, Ilutitun, in present-day Ondo State, before completing his primary education at St. Paul’s African Primary School, Lanlate. He attended Lanlate High School before gaining admission to the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 1997, a Master’s degree in 1999, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 2008.
His academic career at the University of Ibadan began in 2000 when he was appointed Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Psychology. Through dedication to teaching, research and service, he rose steadily through the ranks and attained the rank of Professor in 2014.
Over the years, Prof. Olapegba has held several strategic positions within the institution, including Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, Director of Alumni Relations and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), demonstrating exceptional administrative and leadership capabilities.
An accomplished scholar, Prof. Olapegba has authored three books and more than 110 scholarly publications in reputable local and international journals. He has also supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, secured several research grants and fellowships, and served on the editorial boards of leading academic journals.
Beyond his academic accomplishments, the new Vice-Chancellor is a Fellow of the Nigerian Psychological Association (FNPA) and a Fellow of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (FSPSP). He has also contributed significantly to higher education in Nigeria through his membership of university governing councils and various professional bodies.
As the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Olapegba is expected to provide leadership in advancing the institution’s teaching, research, innovation and community service while sustaining its reputation as one of Africa’s foremost centres of academic excellence.
A devout Christian, Prof. Peter Olamakinde Olapegba is happily married and blessed with children.