OYO NUJ HAILS OLAPEGBA’S APPOINTMENT AS NEW UI VC

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, has congratulated Prof. Olamakinde Olapegba on his appointment as the 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, saying, “His appointment was a source of immense pride not only to the institution but also to Oyo State.”

In a congratulatory message jointly signed by its Chairman, Akeem Abas, and Secretary, Temidayo Adu, respectively, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Friday, the union described the elevation as a well-deserved recognition of excellence, integrity, scholarship and visionary leadership.

The NUJ said Olapegba’s appointment was a source of immense pride not only to the institution but also to Oyo State, particularly the people of Igboora in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of the state, where the distinguished academic hails from.

THERE  are reports that the Governing Council of the institution had, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, appointed Prof. Olapegba as the institution’s 14th Vice-Chancellor following a competitive selection process involving eight candidates.

The appointment was announced by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Adebisi Akande, shortly after the council approved the recommendation of the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board.

Akande said the process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor commenced in line with the provisions of the University Act ahead of the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, on November 1, 2026.

The NUJ, in a statement issued on Friday, said, “Olapegba’s emergence as the helmsman of Nigeria’s premier university reflected his outstanding academic credentials, administrative competence and unwavering commitment to the advancement of higher education over the years.

“His remarkable contributions as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) has adequately prepared him for the enormous responsibility of leading the nation’s oldest degree-awarding institution into a new era of academic excellence, innovation and global competitiveness.

“The council expresses confidence that under Olapegba’s leadership, the university would consolidate its enviable position as Nigeria’s leading university while strengthening research, innovation, infrastructural development and international collaborations.”

It further described the appointment as an inspiration to young academics across Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole, reaffirming the enduring values of hard work, dedication, excellence and selfless service.

The union, therefore, urged the new Vice-Chancellor to remain focused on promoting academic excellence, institutional stability and inclusive governance while sustaining the rich legacy that has distinguished the institution for decades.

“We pray for divine wisdom, sound health and outstanding success for Olapegba as he prepares to assume office,” the NUJ added.

It also expressed optimism that his tenure would usher in greater accomplishments for the institution and further enhance its reputation as a world-class centre of learning and research.