Meet University of Ibadan’s 14th VC, Peter Olapegba

As Peter Olapegba steps into office as the 14th substantive vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan, expectations are high that his wealth of experience in academia, research and university governance will help shape the institution’s next phase of growth and innovation.

On Wednesday, July 22, the governing council of the University of Ibadan (UI) announced the appointment of Olapegba as the institution’s 14th vice-chancellor.

A statement issued by Adebisi Akande, the pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council, said the appointment followed the council’s approval of the recommendation of the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board.

Before his appointment, Olapegba had obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1997, a Master’s degree in Social/Personality Psychology in 1999, and a PhD in Applied Social Psychology in 2008, all from the University of Ibadan.

Outside of his academic degrees, he acquired a diploma in International Boundary and Borderland Studies, a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, and professional training in mediation and conciliation.

His career trajectories include a brief stint as a research officer with the National Examinations Council (NECO), before he joined the University of Ibadan as an Assistant Lecturer on June 1, 2000.

Olapegba rose through the academic ranks and was promoted to the post of Professor of Applied Social Psychology on October 1, 2014.

Besides, he served as deputy vice-chancellor, in charge of administration, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, sub-dean in charge of postgraduate studies, and director of alumni relations.

The professor has authored more than 100 scholarly publications, secured several local and international research grants, and served as an external examiner for universities across Africa.

Olapegba emerged as the University of Ibadan’s 14th vice-chancellor after a competitive selection process involving eight candidates. His appointment was subsequently approved by the governing council.

The 14th vice-chancellor was born on January 26, 1970, and is from Igbole quarters in Igboora-Ibadan of Oyo State.

He started his elementary school at Anglican Church Primary School, Ilutitun in present Ondo State and later transferred to St. Paul’s African Primary School, Lanlate, where he obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate in 1981.

His secondary education was at Lanlate High School, Lanlate from 1981 to 1986.

After his secondary education, he worked as a sales clerk for some years in Lagos before gaining admission into the University of Ibadan to study Psychology.

Olapegba belongs to many voluntary organisations and learned societies. He is a special marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC); a member of the Red Cross Society and the Scout Association of Nigeria.