The University of Ibadan has appointed Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as its new Vice-Chancellor, making him the 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor in the institution’s 78-year history.
Prof. Olapegba, a renowned Professor of Psychology, succeeds to the leadership of Nigeria’s premier university after serving as the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
The 56-year-old academic hails from Igbole Quarters in Igboora, Oyo State. He was born on January 26, 1970, in Ibadan and began his educational journey at Anglican Church Primary School, Ilutitun, in present-day Ondo State. He later completed his primary education at St. Paul’s African Primary School, Lanlate, before attending Lanlate High School.
He proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology, laying the foundation for a distinguished academic career.
Prof. Olapegba joined the services of the University of Ibadan in 2000 as an Assistant Lecturer and steadily rose through the ranks before attaining the position of Professor in 2014.
Throughout his career, he has built an impressive record in teaching, research and university administration. He has served in several strategic positions, including Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, Director of Alumni Relations and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
The new Vice-Chancellor has also made significant contributions to academic research, securing several research grants and fellowships, authoring three books and publishing more than 110 scholarly articles in reputable journals. He has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students while serving on the editorial boards of respected academic publications.
Beyond the University of Ibadan, Prof. Olapegba is a Fellow of the Nigerian Psychological Association and has served on the governing councils of universities as well as other professional bodies, contributing to the advancement of higher education in Nigeria.
A devout Christian, Prof. Olapegba is married and blessed with children.
His appointment marks a new chapter for the University of Ibadan as the institution looks to build on its longstanding reputation as Nigeria’s foremost university under his leadership.