Olapegba takes over as UI vice-chancellor, pledges AI-ready university
- Professor Peter Olapegba has assumed office as the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.
- He promised to keep what works, fix what needs fixing and produce graduates who think for themselves.
- His agenda includes digitalisation, AI literacy, research funding and staff welfare.
Professor Peter Olapegba has officially taken over as the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), promising to keep what works and change what does not.
He spoke on Monday at his inauguration lecture held at Trenchard Hall, following a thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Resurrection. The events drew dignitaries including Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde.
Olapegba said his administration would focus on digitalisation, artificial intelligence, research, staff welfare, infrastructure and international partnerships. He described his vision as positioning UI as a global leader in academics, research and innovation.
He said his plan was to keep the parts of the university that are working, fix those that need attention, change those that no longer serve the institution, and build whatever the future demands.
He said the university must move beyond just using AI tools to becoming a creator and responsible user of the technology. His plan includes smart classrooms, modern digital libraries and AI literacy for staff and students.
On funding, Olapegba said government support remains essential but the university must also raise money through research grants, endowments, alumni contributions, industry partnerships and commercialising knowledge. He stressed that generating revenue would not be allowed to undermine academic values or autonomy.
He also promised to improve staff welfare, mentorship and career progression, and to adopt a student-centred approach that does not lower academic standards. Key areas he identified include access to information, reliable digital services, campus safety and graduate employability.
Olapegba said UI ranked first in Nigeria and West Africa, fourth in Africa and within the 801–1000 band globally in the Times Higher Education 2026 rankings. He said the university would work to improve its research impact and global presence without compromising integrity.
What happens next
The Vice-Chancellor said the strategic direction for 2026–2031 would be developed into a 10-year plan to guide the university’s next phase. He also promised stronger alumni engagement and international collaborations, including joint programmes and student exchanges.
In his lecture, Professor Akin Ogundiran of Northwestern University said African universities must become more African and more global, and must produce knowledge rather than only consume it. Emeritus Professor Oluwole Akande, who chaired the lecture, said Olapegba brings valuable institutional experience to the role.
Speakers at the events noted that the transition from the 13th to the 14th Vice-Chancellor was smooth and that this was the first time UI held an inauguration lecture. The Chaplain of the Chapel of Resurrection, Rev. V.I. Oladele, urged the new Vice-Chancellor to run an all-inclusive administration and avoid vindictiveness.
