Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba has officially assumed office as the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), beginning a five-year tenure on November 1, 2026.
His appointment was approved by the institution’s Governing Council during its meeting held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Olapegba, a distinguished professor of applied social psychology, takes over the leadership of Nigeria’s premier university after serving as deputy vice-chancellor (Administration), a position he occupied from November 8, 2023.
The new Vice-Chancellor brings more than 25 years of academic and administrative experience to the position, including 12 years as a professor.
Throughout his academic career, Olapegba has made significant contributions to social, health and environmental psychology, with research interests covering human behaviour, domestic violence, sexual harassment, victimisation, family relationships and quality of life.
He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 1997, a Master’s degree in Social and Personality Psychology in 1999, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Applied Social Psychology in 2008, all from the University of Ibadan.
In addition to his academic qualifications, he holds professional certifications in mediation, conciliation and international boundary studies, alongside recognition as a Chartered Psychologist.
An accomplished researcher, Olapegba has authored and contributed to more than 130 scholarly publications, including books, journal articles, monographs and book chapters.
His research has explored important societal issues such as HIV/AIDS, sexual behaviour, domestic violence and psychological well-being, while contributing to the development of culturally relevant psychological assessment tools.
Beyond teaching and research, the professor has occupied several strategic administrative positions within the university.
These include Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, Director of Alumni Relations, Chairman of the UI@75 Anniversary Committee, and membership of the University’s Governing Council for two terms.
He has also served on the governing boards and councils of several institutions, including Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa; Precious Cornerstone University; and the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute.
His contributions to postgraduate education include supervising numerous doctoral theses, master’s dissertations and undergraduate research projects.
Olapegba has equally served as an external examiner, professorial assessor and consultant to universities within and outside Nigeria.
The new Vice-Chancellor previously undertook postdoctoral research at North-West University in South Africa and has secured several competitive research grants, including awards supported by TETFund and the University of Ibadan Senate.
He has also reportedly facilitated significant financial support for the university, including a ₦200 million scholarship fund and a ₦300 million building project for the Faculty of the Social Sciences.
A fellow of several professional organisations, including the Social Science Academy of Nigeria, Nigerian Psychological Association and Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Olapegba has maintained an active presence in academic research and professional development.
Born on January 26, 1970, in Ibadan, Oyo State, the professor hails from Igbole Quarters in Igboora.
He attended Anglican Church Primary School, Ilutitun, Ondo State, before transferring to St. Paul’s African Primary School, Lanlate, where he completed his primary education in 1981.
He subsequently attended Lanlate High School between 1981 and 1986.
Before entering university, Olapegba worked as a sales clerk in Lagos, an experience that preceded his academic journey at the University of Ibadan.
He later worked briefly as a Research Officer with the National Examinations Council (NECO) before joining the University of Ibadan on June 1, 2000, as an Assistant Lecturer.
Through successive academic promotions, he attained the rank of professor on October 1, 2014.
Olapegba is also a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God and is married with children.
His assumption of office marks a new leadership chapter for the University of Ibadan, with expectations that his experience in university administration, research development and resource mobilisation will contribute to the institution’s continued growth.
