Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba of the Department of Psychology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, today, Sunday, November 1, 2026, formally becomes the new Vice-Chancellor of the prestigious University of Ibadan (UI), succeeding Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale from the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, whose tenure ended Yesterday, Saturday, October 31.
His tenure will end on October 31, 2031.
Olapegba, a professor of Applied Social Psychology, is expected to formally resume duties on Monday, November 2, 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the leadership of Nigeria’s premier university.
His emergence as Vice-Chancellor represents a significant milestone in a career that has taken him from the modest beginnings of his educational journey to the highest administrative position in the institution where he studied, taught and rose through the academic ranks.
Born on January 26, 1970, in Ibadan, Olapegba hails from Igbole Quarters in Igboora, Oyo State. His early education took him through communities in Ondo and Oyo states, including Ilutitun and Lanlate.
After completing his secondary education at Lanlate High School in 1986, he worked as a sales clerk in Lagos before gaining admission to study Psychology at the University of Ibadan.
He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1997, Master’s degree in Social/Personality Psychology in 1999, and Doctorate in Applied Social Psychology in 2008, all from the University of Ibadan. He has also earned professional qualifications, including an Academic Diploma in International Boundary and Borderlands Studies, Chartered Psychologist status and certifications in Mediation and Conciliation.
His professional relationship with the university began on June 1, 2000, when he joined as an Assistant Lecturer. He rose through the academic ranks and became a Professor on October 1, 2014.
Beyond teaching and research, Olapegba has served the university in several administrative capacities, including Sub-Dean (Postgraduate) of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, Dean of the Faculty, Director of the Office of Alumni Relations, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
He assumed the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) in November 2023, before his appointment as Vice-Chancellor in July 2026.
His appointment followed a selection process conducted by the university’s Governing Council, which considered candidates for the leadership position.
