The 56-year-old psychology professor and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) becomes the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan
Prof. Peter Olamakinde Olapegba, a 56-year-old Professor of Psychology and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan, has been appointed the 14th Vice-Chancellor of Nigeria’s premier university, marking a significant new chapter in the 78-year-old institution’s history.
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The appointment places Peter Olapegba at the helm of one of Nigeria’s most respected centres of higher learning after more than two decades of academic and administrative service to the University of Ibadan.
Born on 26 January 1970 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Olapegba hails from Igbole Quarters in Igboora, Oyo State.
His academic journey began at Anglican Church Primary School, Ilutitun, in present-day Ondo State, before he completed his primary education at St. Paul’s African Primary School, Lanlate.
He subsequently attended Lanlate High School before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where he obtained his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in Psychology.
Olapegba joined the University of Ibadan’s academic staff in 2000 as an Assistant Lecturer. His career progressed steadily through the ranks, culminating in his elevation to the rank of Professor in 2014.
Over the years, his work has extended beyond the lecture theatre and research environment into several areas of university leadership and administration.
Before his appointment as Vice-Chancellor, Olapegba served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), one of the university’s key administrative positions.
He had earlier served as Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences and Director of Alumni Relations, among other leadership responsibilities.
His academic record includes research grants and fellowships, three published books and more than 110 scholarly articles.
He has also supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students and contributed to academic scholarship through service on the editorial boards of reputable journals.
His professional contributions extend beyond the university.
Olapegba is a Fellow of the Nigerian Psychological Association and has served on various university governing councils and professional bodies, further strengthening his profile in academia and higher education administration.
His appointment comes at a time when universities across Nigeria continue to face significant pressures, including funding constraints, infrastructure needs, research development, global competitiveness and the demand to produce graduates equipped for a rapidly changing world.
As the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Olapegba inherits the responsibility of leading an institution with a long and distinguished academic tradition.
Established in 1948 as Nigeria’s first university, the University of Ibadan has produced generations of scholars, professionals, public servants and leaders across Nigeria and beyond.
Its reputation has been built over decades through academic excellence, research and intellectual contributions to national development.
For Olapegba, the new role represents the culmination of a career that began at the same institution where he received his university education and later built his academic career.
A devout Christian, Olapegba is married with children.
His appointment has been greeted with congratulations from members of the university community and well-wishers, who are expected to look to his experience in academic leadership and administration as he assumes responsibility for guiding the institution into its next phase.
For a scholar who has spent more than 20 years serving the University of Ibadan, the appointment is both a professional milestone and a return to the centre of an institution that has shaped much of his academic journey.
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As he takes office as the 14th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba now faces the significant task of building on the university’s proud legacy while responding to the evolving demands of modern higher education.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
