By Abiodun Awujoola
The Junior Chamber International, University of Ibadan (JCI UI), has announced plans for the 27th edition of the Foremost Outstanding Personalities Awards (FOPA) at a press conference held on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at 1pm, at the Students’ Union Building (SUB), University of Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, the Local Organisation President of JCI UI, Lawal Quayyum Adedolapo, announced the theme for the 27th edition as “The Thinking Leadership: Intellectual Leadership Beyond the Conventional System in a Changing Nigeria.”
The award initiative seeks to celebrate students and other members of the university community who have shown exceptional commitment to leadership, innovation, service and institutional development. It is also intended to encourage students to pursue excellence, contribute meaningfully to their communities and demonstrate responsible leadership.
According to the Quayyum, the selection process will be based on voting, which takes 20% of the final score; the panel session, which accounts for 40%; and the motivation letter, which accounts for the remaining 40%. Nominees’ records and achievements will also be reviewed, with due diligence forming part of the assessment.
The awards feature several categories, including Outstanding Student Leadership, Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Academic Excellence, Journalism, Sports, Faculty Management, Public Administration, Media Excellence, Information Technology, Corporate Governance, Hall Management, Selfless Contribution and Outstanding Personality. Other categories recognise alumni achievements and professional excellence.
The organisers also highlighted collaboration with alumni and corporate bodies as part of efforts to strengthen the initiative and expand its impact, and emphasised the need for positive change in Nigeria through intellectual leadership.
The names of the award recipients and the final outcomes of the ceremony are expected to be announced at the awards celebration.
