The University of Ibadan has inaugurated Prof. Peter Olapegba as its 14th Vice-Chancellor, with the new head of the institution pledging to prioritise digital transformation, artificial intelligence, research development and improved welfare in a bid to strengthen its global standing.

Olapegba assumed office on Monday, succeeding Prof. Kayode Adebowale, who served as the university’s 13th Vice-Chancellor after taking office on November 1, 2021.

At his inauguration in Ibadan, Oyo State, the new vice-chancellor outlined a development agenda covering 2026 to 2031, which he said would subsequently form the basis of a 10-year strategic plan for the institution.

In his inaugural address, titled From Tradition to Transformation: A Blueprint for Repositioning the University of Ibadan as an Architect of the Future, Olapegba said the university must retain its historical identity while adopting innovations necessary to remain competitive in global higher education.

He identified staff development, student welfare, infrastructure renewal, international collaboration and sustainable funding as key priorities of his administration.

The professor of psychology described the university community as its most valuable resource, promising to promote merit, fairness, inclusiveness, professional development and improved working conditions for academic and non-academic staff.

On students’ welfare, he pledged to strengthen administrative services, improve access to learning facilities, enhance campus security and expand digital services, while maintaining the institution’s academic standards.

Olapegba also emphasised the need to integrate artificial intelligence into teaching, research and administration, saying the university must become an active contributor to AI development rather than merely a consumer of emerging technologies.

He proposed investments in digital infrastructure, smart classrooms, modern laboratories and digital libraries, alongside initiatives to improve AI literacy among staff and students.

On research, the vice-chancellor promised to strengthen the institution’s Research Management Office, improve researchers’ capacity to secure grants and encourage collaborations across academic disciplines and with industry partners.

He said the university’s research output must translate into practical solutions to Nigeria’s developmental challenges rather than focus solely on academic publications.

Addressing the institution’s financial needs, Olapegba called for broader revenue generation beyond government funding, identifying research grants, alumni contributions, endowments, consultancy services, industry partnerships, intellectual property and commercialisation of knowledge as potential sources of support.

He also pledged to strengthen the university’s contribution to tackling national challenges, including unemployment, insecurity, public health concerns, food insecurity, climate change and educational inequality.

The new vice-chancellor, who joined the university’s service on June 1, 2000, further highlighted the institution’s forthcoming 80th anniversary in 2028 as an opportunity to assess its achievements and prepare for future generations.

In his remarks, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, commended the university’s management for ensuring a peaceful transition between administrations.

The inauguration, which featured a thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Resurrection and an inaugural lecture at Trenchard Hall, attracted government officials, academics, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.

Olapegba is a Professor of Psychology in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ibadan. His research interests include public health psychology, mental health, cross-cultural psychology, HIV/AIDS stigma, sexual health behaviour and social support.