UI begins interviews for vice chancellor candidates

By Ibukun Emiola

The process for the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor (VC) for the University of Ibadan (UI) has entered a crucial stage with the commencement of interviews for shortlisted candidates.

Sources within the university, who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak on the exercise, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the selection process commenced on Tuesday with screening of candidates.

According to the sources, the university has deliberately kept the ongoing selection process away from public attention.

The sources said six applicants were initially screened, comprising five internal candidates from the University of Ibadan and one external candidate.

However, one of the applicants was reportedly found not qualified during the screening exercise, leaving five candidates for the interview stage.

Among those interviewed are the current Deputy Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Peter Olapegba.

Others are Prof. Abideen Aderinto; Prof. Adebola Ekanola, who served as interim Vice Chancellor before the election of the 13th VC; and Prof. Yinka Omigbodun, a former Provost, College of Medicine, UI.

The identity of the fifth candidate could not be independently confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

The selection process is aimed at appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor for a single five-year tenure, who would be the 14th VC of the institution.

The successful candidate will succeed the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, whose tenure is expected to end on Oct. 31, 2026.