Follow Us on Google
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, following a rigorous and competitive selection process.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Bisi Akande, a former governor of Osun State, after the conclusion of the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board’s exercise.
Olapegba, a Professor of Applied Social Psychology and the university’s current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), emerged as the successful candidate from an initial field of eight applicants.
He is expected to succeed the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, upon the expiration of the latter’s tenure.
Announcing the appointment, Akande described the selection exercise as thorough, transparent and highly competitive.
“At the end of a very thorough, transparent and highly competitive exercise, Prof Peter Olamakinde Olapegba emerged as the best candidate for the position of Vice-Chancellor.
“It is my pleasure to present to you the 14th Vice-Chancellor of this great university. We wish him success in his tenure,” he said.
The selection process reached its climax on Tuesday when the Governing Council interacted with all eight shortlisted applicants.
It was further gathered that by Wednesday morning, the field had been narrowed to five finalists, who appeared before the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board for the final stage of the exercise.
Among those who participated in the selection process were former Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebola Ekanola, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Abideen Aderinto, and former Provost of the College of Medicine Professor Yinka Omigbodun, while the identity of another finalist was not publicly disclosed before the appointment.
Olapegba is a lecturer in the Department of Psychology, Faculty of the Social Sciences. He previously served as Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences before his appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
He is widely recognised for his scholarship in behavioural dynamics, human-centred technology and organisational efficiency.
