The appointment of Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba as the 14th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), effective November 1, 2026, is worthy of congratulations. I wish him a successful tenure as he takes on the responsibility of leading Nigeria’s premier university.
The reported competitive process through which he emerged, following the assessment of eight candidates and the shortlisting of five for the final stage, is commendable if it was conducted transparently and strictly on merit.
However, this development also raises an important question that deserves honest and constructive discussion: When will a qualified Muslim have the opportunity to emerge as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan?
This question is not directed against Professor Olapegba or his Christian faith. If he emerged as the best candidate through a fair and transparent process, then he deserves the support of all Nigerians. My concern is whether qualified Nigerians of different faiths have equal opportunities to compete for the highest leadership positions in our national institutions.
The same question applies to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, where a change of leadership is expected in the coming months. It is therefore time for stakeholders to begin constructive conversations about the forthcoming appointment of the next Chief Medical Director (CMD).
I believe that qualified and competent Muslim professionals should be encouraged and given a fair opportunity to compete for the position. If the best candidate happens to be a Muslim, there should be no reservation about appointing that person. Equally, if the best candidate is a Christian or belongs to another faith, the same principle of merit should apply.
This is not a demand for religious quota or preferential treatment. It is a demand for a level playing field.
A Muslim should not be appointed simply because he is a Muslim, just as a Christian should not be appointed simply because he is a Christian. Leadership must be based on competence, character, experience and capacity to deliver.
However, merit can only be meaningful when every qualified candidate has a genuine opportunity to compete.
The University of Ibadan and UCH are national institutions that belong to all Nigerians. Their leadership should therefore reflect the principles of fairness, inclusiveness and equal opportunity.
As Professor Olapegba prepares to assume office, I congratulate him and wish him a successful tenure. At the same time, I believe this is the right moment to ask whether our leadership selection processes truly provide equal opportunities for all qualified Nigerians.
As the succession process at UCH approaches, I urge stakeholders to ensure that no qualified candidate is excluded, consciously or unconsciously, because of religious identity. Let the process be transparent, competitive and firmly anchored on merit.
I am not asking for a Muslim to be appointed because he is a Muslim. I am asking that a Muslim should not be denied the opportunity to lead simply because he is a Muslim.
The same principle should apply to every Nigerian, regardless of faith or background.
Let merit prevail. Let competence prevail. Let fairness prevail.
*Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade
23rd July, 2026
