The University of Ibadan has appointed Professor Peter Olapegba as its 14th substantive Vice Chancellor, making him the next head of Nigeria's oldest university. Olapegba, a Professor of Psychology, will take over from the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, whose tenure ends on October 31, 2026.
New Leadership at Nigeria's Premier University
Before this appointment, Olapegba served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic at the University of Ibadan, a role that placed him at the centre of the institution's academic administration. The University of Ibadan, located in Ibadan, Oyo State, is widely regarded as Nigeria's most prestigious university and one of the foremost institutions of higher learning on the African continent.
The appointment of a sitting Deputy Vice Chancellor to the top role continues a pattern of internal succession at the institution, with Olapegba bringing deep familiarity with the university's academic structure and culture to the position. Professor Adebowale, who has led the university through a period marked by significant academic and infrastructural developments, will formally hand over at the end of October.
Implications for the University's Future
No date has been announced for Professor Olapegba's inauguration as Vice Chancellor. The transition is expected to ensure continuity in the university's strategic direction, as Olapegba has been closely involved in academic planning and policy implementation during his tenure as Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic. Stakeholders within and outside the university community have expressed optimism about the new appointment, citing Olapegba's extensive experience in academic administration and his contributions to the field of psychology.
