UI Begins Search for New Vice-Chancellor as Adebowale’s Tenure Ends November 2026

The University of Ibadan (UI) has commenced the process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor ahead of the expiration of the tenure of its current helmsman, Kayode Adebowale, on November 1, 2026.

The development was announced in an internal and external advertisement issued by the institution’s Registrar, Ganiyu Saliu, on Thursday, April 16, 2026. The notice formally declared the forthcoming vacancy and invited qualified candidates to apply for the top academic position.

“The post of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria will become vacant on November 1, 2026,” the statement read.

The move signals an early start to the selection process, a development likely aimed at avoiding the setbacks that plagued previous appointments. The university had experienced significant delays in 2020 when the position became vacant on December 1 following internal crises that led to the dissolution of its Governing Council.

To address the impasse at the time, a new council chaired by John Odigie-Oyegun was inaugurated in April 2021, paving the way for the eventual appointment of Adebowale as the institution’s 13th Vice-Chancellor on October 14, 2021, for a single five-year, non-renewable tenure.

According to the new advertisement, candidates seeking to occupy the office must not be older than 65 years by the expected date of assumption of duty. Applicants are also required to be distinguished scholars of professorial rank with at least 10 years of experience at that level, alongside demonstrable capacity for both academic and administrative leadership.

The university further stated that prospective candidates must possess proven integrity and command respect within national and international academic circles through a strong track record. The ability to foster unity within the university community bridging relationships among staff, students, and other stakeholders was also highlighted as a key requirement.

In addition, applicants are expected to present a clear vision for the development of the university, maintain sound physical and mental health, and demonstrate the capacity to attract funding to support institutional growth.