By Fawaz Balogun & Oladejo Abdullah

The Junior Chamber International, University of Ibadan Chapter (JCI’UI), has unveiled plans for the 2026 edition of the Fifteen Outstanding Personality Award (FOPA).

This was disclosed at a press conference held at the Student Representative Council (SRC) Chamber, Kunle Adepeju Memorial Building, on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Speaking at the event, the Local Organisation President of JCI’UI, Lawal Quayyum Adedolapo, announced the theme for the 27th edition of FOPA as “The Thinking Leadership: Intellectual Leadership Beyond the Conventional System in a Changing Nigeria.”

According to him, FOPA recognises University of Ibadan students who have distinguished themselves in various categories within the university community.

He added that the award features 10 categories for undergraduates and five categories for alumni.

The undergraduate categories include Most Outstanding in Student Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Hall Management, Faculty Management, Journalism, Entertainment, Academics, Sports, Selfless Contributions for a Worthy Cause, and Most Outstanding UI Personality.

The alumni categories include Most Outstanding Alumnus in Information Technology, Professional Excellence, Corporate Governance, Public Administration, and Media Excellence.

Adedolapo disclosed that the nomination form had received over 1,900 responses, adding that the organisers were working towards narrowing the nominees to three in each category.

He further explained that shortlisted nominees would receive notification letters requesting their curriculum vitae (CV), portfolios, and motivation letters.

Adedolapo stated that voting would account for 20 per cent of the total score, while the CV and portfolio would account for 40 per cent. The remaining 40 per cent would be determined by the panel session.

He added that the panel of judges would comprise the JCI’UI Staff Adviser, the President, the immediate past President, and alumni to ensure fairness in the selection process.

The 2026 FOPA is scheduled to be held on November 21, 2026, at the Multipurpose Hall of the International School, Ibadan (ISI). The red carpet will begin at 10 AM, while the main event is scheduled to commence at 11 AM.

Also present at the press conference were campus journalists from the Union of Campus Journalist (UCJ), AgroPress, AFAS Press and Zik Press.