Dominican University Appoints First Female Vice-Chancellor

Dominican University, Ibadan, has made history by appointing Professor Jacinta Opara as its first female Vice-Chancellor. This significant decision, following a rigorous selection process, was officially announced after the Board of Trustees meeting on March 7, 2024. Professor Opara's appointment marks the beginning of a new era of innovation and academic excellence at the university.

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Professor Opara becomes the university’s second substantive Vice-Chancellor. Her selection resulted from a meticulous recruitment process conducted by a professional firm and distinguished academics, adhering to global best practices in higher education headhunting. Anthony Idigbe, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, emphasized that this appointment is expected to usher in significant advancements in innovation and academic performance at Dominican University.

Born in Port Harcourt in 1976, Professor Jacinta Opara is a renowned environmental scholar, scientist, educator, health researcher, consultant, and development activist. She holds degrees from the University of Ibadan and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and has earned postgraduate qualifications from several prestigious institutions worldwide.

Professor Opara's extensive administrative experience in higher education includes roles such as Head of Department, Dean, Director, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor. She currently serves as the President of the African Association for Teaching and Learning and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Policy Management Development.

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Her career is marked by numerous achievements in coordinating international projects and publications. She has received many awards, including the Erasmus Mundus fellowship and the IATEL Award for Academic Excellence.

Dominican University, formerly known as the Dominican Institute, is the first university of the Order of Preachers (Dominican Order) on the African continent. Established in affiliation with the University of Ibadan in 1993, the institution received its official university license from the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2016. It is accredited and recognized by the National Universities Commission.

The university’s foundation dates back to the Dominican Order's commitment to education since its founding by Spanish priest Dominic de Guzman in 1216, under the approval of Pope Innocent III. Over the centuries, the Order has significantly contributed to university education globally.

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As Vice-Chancellor, Professor Opara aims to foster a dynamic learning environment and enhance community engagement. Her vision for Dominican University includes promoting a vibrant educational community where staff, students, and stakeholders collaborate to achieve academic excellence and serve broader societal goals.