By The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan (UI) has appointed Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as the 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Nigeria’s premier university on Wednesday, 22nd July 2026.
Professor Olapegba, a 56-year-old Professor of Psychology and indigene of Igboora in Oyo State, was, until his appointment, the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). He succeeds Professor Kayode Adebowale and will lead the 78-year-old institution into a new phase of academic and administrative development.
Born on 26 January 1970 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Professor Olapegba hails from Igbole Quarters in Igboora. He began his primary education at Anglican Church Primary School, Ilutitun, in present-day Ondo State, before completing it at St. Paul’s African Primary School, Lanlate. He later attended Lanlate High School before gaining admission to the University of Ibadan, where he obtained his B.Sc., M.Sc., and PhD degrees in Psychology.
He joined the services of the University of Ibadan as an Assistant Lecturer in 2000 and rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Psychology in 2014.
During his academic career, Professor Olapegba has held several strategic leadership positions, including Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, Director of Alumni Relations, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). He is widely recognised for his contributions to teaching, research, and university administration.
An accomplished scholar, the new Vice-Chancellor has attracted several research grants and fellowships, authored three books, published more than 110 scholarly articles, supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, and served on the editorial boards of reputable academic journals.
Professor Olapegba is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Psychological Association and has contributed to the advancement of higher education through his membership of several university governing councils and professional bodies.
His appointment has been welcomed by members of the university community and other stakeholders, who expressed optimism that his wealth of academic and administrative experience would further strengthen the University’s reputation for excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and service.
