The Governing Council of Nigeria’s premier institution, the University of Ibadan (UI), has officially approved the appointment of Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the university.
The announcement was made in Ibadan on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Bisi Akande, following the conclusion of a competitive, multi-stage selection exercise.
Until his appointment, Prof. Olapegba served as the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). He is slated to succeed the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, whose single five-year tenure expires on November 1, 2026.
Selection Process & Council Resolution
According to Chief Bisi Akande, the recruitment process began earlier in April 2026 in line with statutory provisions. A total of eight candidates were evaluated—six via public advertisements and two additional candidates identified by the council’s search team.
Following preliminary screenings and interactions, the field was narrowed down to five shortlisted candidates before the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board conducted final interviews on Wednesday.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ SELECTION TIMELINE & TRANSITION │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • April 2026 : Official call for VC applications published. │
│ • July 21, 2026 : Council interacts with 8 screened candidates; │
│ shortlists top 5. │
│ • July 22, 2026 : Selection Board interviews shortlisted candidates│
│ and recommends Prof. Olapegba. │
│ • November 1, 2026 : Official assumption of office as 14th VC. │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(Source: UI Governing Council Directives)
Profile & Transition Mandate
A distinguished academic and senior administrator within the university ecosystem, Prof. Olapegba will take the helm as the chief executive officer to lead UI’s academic, research, and infrastructure development over a non-renewable five-year tenure.
The council noted that the early emergence of the Vice-Chancellor-designate—roughly three months prior to the end of the incumbent’s term—conforms with the institution’s tradition of enabling a seamless administrative transition.
“The exercise was thorough, transparent, and highly competitive. It is, therefore, my pleasure to present the 14th Vice-Chancellor of this great university, Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba. We wish him success as he prepares to lead the institution.” — Chief Bisi Akande, Pro-Chancellor & Chairman of Council
Ayodele Quadri
Correspondent
