Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
PROFESSOR Peter Olamakinde Olapegba has assumed duty as the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), succeeding the outgoing administration at the 78-year-old institution.
Olapegba’s five-year tenure commenced on Sunday, November 1, 2026, following his appointment’s approval by the university’s Governing Council at its meeting on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
His appointment marks a new chapter in the administration of Nigeria’s premier university, where he previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) from November 8, 2023, until his elevation to the top leadership position.
A distinguished scholar of Applied Social Psychology, Olapegba has more than 25 years of academic experience, including 12 years as a professor. His research interests span social, health and environmental psychology, with particular emphasis on health behaviour, family and marital violence, sexual harassment, victimisation and perceived quality of life.
Born on January 26, 1970, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Olapegba hails from Igbole Quarters in Igboora, Oyo State.
He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 1997, Master of Science degree in Social/Personality Psychology in 1999, and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Applied Social Psychology in 2008, all from the University of Ibadan.
He also holds an Academic Diploma in International Boundary and Borderlands Studies and professional qualifications in chartered psychology, mediation and conciliation.
Olapegba joined the services of the University of Ibadan on June 1, 2000, as an Assistant Lecturer after a brief stint as a Research Officer with the National Examinations Council (NECO).
He had earlier worked as a sales clerk in Lagos before gaining admission to study Psychology at the university.
Through academic diligence, he rose through the ranks to become a professor on October 1, 2014.
His research has contributed to the development of culturally relevant and internationally accepted measurement scales in social psychology, strengthening the theoretical and practical application of the discipline.
He has published more than 130 scholarly works, including books, book chapters, monographs, journal articles and creative pieces.
His publications have addressed critical societal issues, including HIV/AIDS, sexual behaviour, domestic violence and quality of life, with emphasis on behavioural change and attitudinal improvement.
The new Vice-Chancellor has also demonstrated research capacity through grants and fellowships, including the International Congress of Psychology Change Fellowship Research Grant, University of Ibadan Senate Research Grant, Moment of Change Research Grant and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Institutional-Based Research Grants.
He was a postdoctoral fellow at North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa, and has attracted significant support for the University of Ibadan, including a N200 million scholarship fund and a N300 million building for the Faculty of the Social Sciences.
Olapegba has held several academic and administrative positions at the university, including Undergraduate Coordinator, Postgraduate Coordinator, Examination Officer, Sub-Dean (Postgraduate) of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences and Director of the Office of Alumni Relations.
He also chaired the university’s UI@75 Anniversary Committee before serving as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
His governance experience includes two terms as an elected member of the University of Ibadan Governing Council, as well as membership of the governing councils of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, and Precious Cornerstone University.
He has also served on the governing board of the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute, including Health and Agriculture, and on various governing council committees.
In addition, he has supervised numerous doctoral theses, MPhil dissertations, master’s dissertations and undergraduate projects, contributing to the development of psychology and social science research in Nigeria and beyond.
He serves as an external examiner, assessor for professorial appointments and consultant on panels evaluating candidates for professorial promotion at universities within and outside Nigeria.
Olapegba is a Fellow of several professional bodies, including the Social Science Academy of Nigeria, Nigerian Psychological Association, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, and Society for Peace Studies and Practice.
Beyond academia, the new Vice-Chancellor is a devout Christian and pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He is married with children.
His assumption of office comes as the University of Ibadan continues its mission of advancing teaching, research and scholarship as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions of higher learning.
