Professor Peter Olapegba Assumes Office as 14th Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan

The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan (UI) has appointed Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the institution. His five-year tenure commenced on November 1, 2026.

The appointment was approved at the Governing Council meeting held on July 22, 2026. Professor Olapegba succeeds the previous administration and becomes the head of the 78-year-old institution, widely recognised as Nigeria's premier university.

Before his appointment, Professor Olapegba served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), a position he assumed on November 8, 2023.

He is a distinguished academic and researcher specialising in Applied Social Psychology, with more than 25 years of experience in academia, including 12 years as a full professor. His research interests cover social, health and environmental psychology, particularly the relationship between health and behaviour, family and marital violence, sexual harassment, victimisation and perceived quality of life.

Academic Background and Qualifications

Professor Olapegba obtained all his major academic qualifications from the University of Ibadan. They include:

1. Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology (1997).
2. Master of Science in Social/Personality Psychology (1999).
3. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Applied Social Psychology (2008).

He also holds an Academic Diploma in International Boundary and Borderlands Studies, is a Chartered Psychologist and has professional certifications in Mediation and Conciliation.

Research and Academic Contributions

Professor Olapegba's research has contributed to the development of culturally relevant and internationally accepted measurement scales for various constructs in social psychology, strengthening both theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

He has published more than 130 scholarly works, including books, book chapters, monographs, journal articles and creative publications.

His research has addressed critical societal issues such as HIV/AIDS, sexual behaviour, domestic violence and quality of life, providing models for behavioural change and attitudinal improvement.

Administrative Experience and Leadership Roles

The new Vice-Chancellor has held several administrative and leadership positions within and outside the University of Ibadan. These include:

1. Undergraduate Coordinator.
2. Postgraduate Coordinator.
3. Examination Officer.
4. Deputy Postgraduate Coordinator, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CEPACS).
5. Postgraduate Coordinator, CEPACS.
6. Sub-Dean (Postgraduate), Faculty of the Social Sciences.
7. Dean, Faculty of the Social Sciences.
8. Director, Office of Alumni Relations.
9. Chairman, UI@75 Anniversary Committee.
10. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
11. Two-term elected member of the University of Ibadan Governing Council.
12. Member of the Governing Council of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa.
13. Member of the Governing Board of the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute, including Health and Agriculture.
14. Member of the Governing Council of Precious Cornerstone University.
15. Member of various Governing Council committees and subcommittees.

He has also supervised numerous PhD theses, MPhil dissertations, master's dissertations and undergraduate research projects, contributing to the development of psychology and social science research in Nigeria and beyond.

Additionally, he has served as an external examiner, assessor for professorial appointments and consultant on professorial promotion panels in several universities within and outside Nigeria.

International Experience and Research Grants

Professor Olapegba was a Postdoctoral Fellow at North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa.

He has also demonstrated experience in research funding and grant acquisition, securing several grants and research support initiatives, including:

1. International Congress of Psychology Change Fellowship Research Grant.
2. University of Ibadan Senate Research Grant.
3. Moment of Change Research Grant.
4. TETFund Institutional-Based Research Grants.
5. Several conference travel grants.

Beyond research funding, he has attracted significant support and donations to the university, including a scholarship fund worth ₦200 million and a building valued at ₦300 million for the Faculty of the Social Sciences, among other contributions.

Professional Fellowships and Affiliations

Professor Olapegba is a fellow of several professional organisations, including:

1. Social Science Academy of Nigeria (FSSAN).
2. Nigerian Psychological Association (FNPA).
3. Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (FCPCS).
4. Society for Peace Studies and Practice (fspsp).

He remains committed to advancing psychology as an academic discipline and addressing societal challenges through research, teaching and institutional leadership.

Early Life and Educational History

Professor Olapegba hails from Igbole Quarters in Igboora, Oyo State. He was born on January 26, 1970, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He began his elementary education at Anglican Church Primary School, Ilutitun, Ondo State, before transferring to St. Paul's African Primary School, Lanlate, where he obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate in 1981.

He proceeded to Lanlate High School, Lanlate, where he completed his secondary education between 1981 and 1986.

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

Career Progression

Professor Olapegba briefly worked as a Research Officer at the National Examinations Council (NECO) before joining the University of Ibadan on June 1, 2000, as an Assistant Lecturer.

Through his academic and professional progression, he attained the rank of Professor on October 1, 2014.

Personal Life

Professor Olapegba is a devout Christian and a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). He is married with children.

He has officially assumed duty as the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, beginning a five-year tenure at the helm of Nigeria's premier university.