Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka, and a member of the institution’s Governing Council, Hon. Ifeoma Nwankwo, have congratulated Prof. Peter Olamakinde Olapegba on his appointment as the 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Nigeria’s premier university.

The Governing Council, chaired by former Osun State Governor, Chief Adebisi Akande, announced Olapegba’s appointment on Wednesday after approving the recommendation of the Selection Board.

In a congratulatory message, Olayinka described Olapegba’s emergence as well deserved, noting that he distinguished himself in a keenly contested process involving eight candidates.

“I congratulate our incoming boss on the success of his application. There were eight candidates in the very keen contest,” he said.

The former Vice-Chancellor highlighted Olapegba’s academic credentials and administrative experience, describing him as a distinguished scholar in Applied Social Psychology with an outstanding record of service to the university.

He noted that before his appointment, Olapegba served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, pioneer Director of the Office of Alumni Relations and a Senate representative on the Governing Council.

According to Olayinka, Olapegba has, over the past two decades, built an impressive academic profile through research in social, health and environmental psychology, with particular focus on health behaviour, domestic violence, sexual harassment, victimisation and quality of life.

He also lauded the Vice-Chancellor-designate for attracting grants, scholarships and infrastructural support to the university, particularly through his leadership of the UI@75 Anniversary Committee.

“From Sub-Dean (Postgraduate), Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, Chairman of the UI@75 Anniversary Committee, Director of the Office of Alumni Relations and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), it is fair to talk of the rise and rise of Olapegba. I offer you hearty congratulations and wish you a successful tenure,” Olayinka said.

Also congratulating the new Vice-Chancellor, Governing Council member and co-founder of the Nigeria in Diaspora Forum, Hon. Ifeoma Nwankwo, expressed confidence that Olapegba’s leadership would strengthen the university’s global reputation.

Nwankwo described his appointment as a reflection of his outstanding academic pedigree, leadership qualities and commitment to excellence.

“Your dedication to service has earned you this incredible milestone. I am confident that under your leadership, our university will continue to rank among the world’s leading universities,” she said.

She noted that Olapegba emerged tops in a highly competitive field of distinguished scholars, describing the appointment as a milestone for both the university and Nigeria’s higher education sector.

Nwankwo urged members of staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders to give the incoming Vice-Chancellor the necessary support to advance the institution’s tradition of excellence in teaching, research and community service.

She expressed optimism that his tenure would open new opportunities for innovation, institutional development, international collaboration and improved global rankings for the University of Ibadan.