The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan has commenced the process of appointing the institution's 14th Vice Chancellor, with a public advertisement issued by the university's Registrar, Ganiyu Saliu, on Thursday.

The advertisement, published as an internal and external call for applications, confirms that the position will become vacant on November 1, 2026, when the tenure of incumbent Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayode Adebowale expires.

The council had formally resolved to begin the appointment process at its meeting on March 4, 2026. Adebowale had assumed office on October 14, 2021, following a prolonged and contentious selection process that led to the dissolution of the previous governing council. The post had originally fallen vacant on December 1, 2020, but the process was aborted due to widespread agitations. A new council led by Chief John Odigie Oyegun was inaugurated in April 2021 to restart the exercise, eventually producing Adebowale as the substantive Vice Chancellor after a five year non renewable tenure process.

Under the conditions set for the current search, candidates must not be more than 65 years old as of November 1, 2026, hold the rank of professor with a minimum of 10 years of experience at that level, and demonstrate capacity for both academic and administrative leadership.

The advertisement further stipulates that "the candidate must be a person of proven integrity; command the respect of the national and international academic communities through his/her track record; strengthen the bridges between staff, students and other members of the university community."

It adds that "the candidate must be a person with a clear vision for the development of the university, enjoy excellent physical and mental health, and attract the much needed funds into the university."