Prof Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, who is a professor of chemistry and a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Sciences, has emerged as the 1^st Ibadan Indigene to become the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

The profound scholar has positively projected the image of the university nationally and internationally. He was the incumbent Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin) has brought to bear his varied and rich experience in university administration and sound scholarship.

Adebowale emerged the best after a thorough process which he noted was witnessed by representatives of the Federal Character Commission and the Federal Ministry of Education.

In a release signed by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Chief John Odigie Oyegun which reads-

The post of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan became vacant on December 1, 2020, and in accordance with the provisions of the extant rules, the last Governing Council initiated the process of the appointment. However, the process was aborted by the Visitor due to circumstances beyond control, which led to the dissolution of the Council at that time. A new Governing Council was inaugurated in April this year and it decided in its wisdom to start the process afresh. A new advert was placed in July this year and after the expiration of the advert, fourteen (14) candidates applied for the position.

In line with the University Acts, Search Team was subsequently constituted to search for suitable persons who might not apply of their own volition. At the end of the exercise, additional two applications were received and this brought the number of the applicants to sixteen (16).

On Wednesday, 13 October 2021, Council interacted with all fifteen (15) candidates. All members of the Council scored the candidates using approved Council guidelines. At the end of the exercise, eight (8) candidates in order of merit were shortlisted for the final interview. At the meeting, two (2) members of the Council, as required by law, were also appointed. Earlier in the week, Senate had elected two (2) members of the Senate to serve on the Selection Board for the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor.

Today Thursday, 14 October 2021 the Joint Council-Senate Selection Board interviewed the eight (8) candidates shortlisted. Two (2) representatives of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), and the Representative of the Federal Ministry of Education were in attendance. At the end of a very thorough, transparent, and highly competitive exercise, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale emerged as the best candidate for the position of Vice-Chancellor.

The Governing Council at its just-concluded meeting today considered the report of the Selection Board and approved the recommendation of the Board to appoint Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale as the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.

It is, therefore, my pleasure to present to you the new and the 13th Vice-Chancellor of this great University, the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale. We wish him success in his tenure.