By Debbiemuse
Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba, C.Psych, FSSAN, FNPA, FCPCS, FSPSP, has begun his five-year tenure as the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, succeeding Professor Kayode O. Adebowale. His tenure took effect on November 1, 2026.
Olapegba’s assumption of office follows the approval of his appointment by the University’s Governing Council at its meeting on July 22, 2026. Before his elevation, he served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), a position he held from November 8, 2023.
A professor of Applied Social Psychology, Olapegba brings over two and a half decades of academic experience to the office, including 12 years as a full professor. His research interests span social, health and environmental psychology, with particular attention to family and marital violence, sexual harassment, victimisation, sexual behaviour and quality of life.
An alumnus of the University of Ibadan, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1997, Master of Science in Social/Personality Psychology in 1999, and PhD in Applied Social Psychology in 2008. He joined the university as an Assistant Lecturer on June 1, 2000, after working briefly as a Research Officer with the National Examinations Council (NECO), and was promoted to Professor on October 1, 2014.
His academic contributions include more than 130 scholarly works comprising journal articles, books, book chapters, monographs and creative pieces. His research has also produced culturally relevant measurement scales for social psychology. He was a postdoctoral fellow at North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa, and has received research grants from organisations and programmes including TETFund, the University of Ibadan Senate Research Grant and the International Congress of Psychology Change Fellowship.
Beyond his academic work, Olapegba has held several administrative positions within the university. These include Undergraduate Coordinator, Postgraduate Coordinator, Examination Officer, Sub-Dean (Postgraduate) and Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences. He also served as Director of the Office of Alumni Relations and Chairman of the University’s 75th Anniversary Committee.
His experience in university governance includes two terms as an elected member of the University of Ibadan Governing Council. He has also served on the governing councils and boards of other institutions, including Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, Pan African University’s Life and Earth Sciences Institute, and Precious Cornerstone University.
According to the Registrar’s statement announcing his assumption of office, Olapegba has attracted significant support to the university, including a ₦200 million scholarship fund and a ₦300 million building for the Faculty of the Social Sciences.
Born in Ibadan on January 26, 1970, Olapegba hails from Igbole Quarters, Igboora, Oyo State. He attended primary and secondary schools in Ondo and Oyo states before gaining admission to the University of Ibadan to study Psychology. He is a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and is married with children.
As he begins his tenure, Olapegba takes charge of an institution with a long-standing academic tradition and the responsibility of steering its administration and academic direction over the next five years.
