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HON. ADEOYE EMMANUEL TEMITOPE LAUNCHES FIRST-CLASS HONORS AWARD INITIATIVE

Published by Olatunji Yusuf on August 5th, 2025.

HON. ADEOYE EMMANUEL TEMITOPE LAUNCHES FIRST-CLASS HONORS AWARD INITIATIVE

_By First Class Gist_

In an era where excellence often fades into the background noise of politics and entertainment, some leaders are choosing a different path, one that focuses on rewarding intellect, inspiring hard work, and rekindling the value of academic excellence. One of such leaders is Hon. Adeoye Emmanuel Temitope, a native of Ifewara in Atakunmosa West Local Government Area of Osun State.

A graduate of Agricultural Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Hon. Temitope is launching an initiative that many people across Ijesaland have described as “timely” and “purposeful.” It is called the *First Class Honour and Award Initiatives,* and First Class Gist was privileged to sit with him to learn more about the vision, the motivation, and the message behind it.

*First Class Gist* : Honourable sir, thank you for granting us audience. What exactly is the First Class Honour and Award Initiatives all about?

*Hon. Adeoye Emmanuel Temitope* : Thank you. This initiative is very dear to me. It is designed to recognize and support Ijesa-born undergraduate students from the six local governments; Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Obokun, and Oriade, who have attained a First Class grade in their academic courses. However, to ensure clarity and fairness, we’re limiting this phase of the initiative to students in federal universities only. Every student who qualifies will receive ₦20,000 as a token of encouragement.

*First Class Gist* : Why exactly did you decide to embark on this project?

*Hon. Emmanuel* : Because I’ve walked the path. I know what it feels like to strive for excellence in the Nigerian university system and get no recognition for it. I know how lonely the journey can be. While others are celebrated for all sorts of things, our best students are often overlooked. I believe it’s time we changed that narrative. It’s time we start honouring excellence and setting examples for younger ones.

*First Class Gist* : Some may wonder why this initiative is restricted to federal universities. Any particular reason?

*Hon. Emmanuel* : It’s purely for structure and verification. Federal universities have a uniform system of grading, and it’s easier for us to verify claims. We want to avoid bias, errors or favouritism. This is just the beginning. As the initiative grows and support increases, I hope we can include students from state and private institutions as well.

*First Class Gist* : What exactly will ₦20,000 do for a First Class student in today’s Nigeria?

*Hon. Emmanuel* : Honestly, it won’t solve all their problems but that’s not the point. The ₦20,000 is symbolic. It says, “We see you. We value what you’ve achieved.” It can buy books, data, materials or help them process their transcript. Beyond the money, it’s about prestige. Imagine being publicly acknowledged by your community for academic success, that alone is empowering.

*First Class Gist* : What do you want this initiative to inspire among students across Ijesaland?

*Hon. Emmanuel* : I want our young people to take their academics seriously. I want a generation of Ijesa students who are known across Nigeria for academic brilliance. We’ve always had intelligent people in our land. This initiative is simply to water that seed and make it flourish. When students know that their hard work will be noticed, they will sit up. They will study harder. That’s the whole idea.

*First Class Gist* : Are there any plans to scale this up?

*Hon. Emmanuel* : Certainly. This is only the beginning. My goal is not only to reward First Class students but also to create a mentorship structure, connect them with professionals in their field, help them access scholarships, training, and job opportunities. Over time, this can become an annual summit or even a foundation. But for now, we are starting small and strong.

*First Class Gist* : What would you like to say to the students and the Ijesa community at large?

*Hon. Emmanuel* : To our students: the future is in your hands. Don’t joke with your education. We are watching, and we are proud of you. To the community, support education, encourage your children, celebrate excellence, and invest in brains. That’s how communities grow. That’s how legacies are built.

*First Class Gist* : Have you ever held any political office in history, either during your time in the University or outside the university?

*Hon. Emmanuel*: Yes!
I am a product of unshakable confidence, it runs through my veins. Eloquence speaks through me effortlessly. My journey is no accident of history; it is a deliberate stride of purpose and vision. During my period at the Federal University of Technology, Akure and outside the wall of University, I had the privilege to served at the following capacities;
Former Assistant General Secretary, NIAE FUTA (2011/2012)

Former National Vice President, FISU (2012/2013)

Former National Speaker, NAOSS (2015/2016)

2023 Aspirant for Member, Osun State House of Assembly, Atakunmosa East/West Constituency.

*First Class Gist*: Is there any brand name you are popular with?

*Hon. Emmanuel*: Yes, my full name is Rt. Hon. Adeoye Temitope Emmanuel, a.k.a Elder Ju’mong, the Aluta Profet.

*First Class Gist* : Thank you, Honourable, for your time and insight.

*Hon. Emmanuel* : Thank you too. Let’s keep celebrating the ones who make us proud with their minds.

As we rounded off the interview, it became clear that Hon. Adeoye Emmanuel Temitope is not driven by noise or applause. His calm demeanor masked a fierce passion for growth, for impact, and for setting a new standard of leadership that speaks not only to the stomach but to the mind. The First Class Honour and Award Initiatives may be a humble beginning, but its echoes may be heard across generations to come.

*First Class Gist*
*Your trusted voice for inspiration and celebration.*