The search for the 14th Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan has officially commenced, following a public call for applications issued by the institution’s Registrar, Ganiyu Saliu.
The announcement, published on Thursday under an internal and external advertisement, signals the start of a new leadership transition as the current Vice-Chancellor’s tenure approaches its end. According to the notice, the position will become vacant on November 1, 2026.
The university’s Governing Council had earlier, at its meeting on March 4, 2026, approved the initiation of the process to appoint a substantive Vice-Chancellor.
The outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Kayode Adebowale, assumed office in October 2021 for a single, non-renewable five-year term after a selection process marked by tension and controversy.
That process followed a prolonged leadership vacuum. The position had been vacant since December 1, 2020, but earlier efforts to appoint a new VC were halted due to widespread agitations that led to the dissolution of the then Governing Council.
A new council, chaired by John Odigie-Oyegun, was inaugurated in April 2021 to restart the process, culminating in Adebowale’s appointment on October 14, 2021.
In the fresh call for applications, the university outlined strict criteria for prospective candidates. Applicants must not be older than 65 years by the expected date of assumption of duty and must be distinguished professors with at least 10 years of experience at that rank.
Additionally, candidates are expected to demonstrate strong academic and administrative leadership, possess proven integrity, and command respect within both national and international academic communities.
The university further emphasised the need for a visionary leader capable of strengthening relationships across the institution, maintaining sound physical and mental health, and attracting critical funding to support its growth and development.
