The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) community is basking in another moment of pride and recognition as two of its exceptional alumni from the Department of Theatre and Media Arts have been selected for the prestigious MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) West Africa Class of 2025. This latest development marks a significant milestone in the university’s growing reputation as a breeding ground for creative excellence and innovation in Nigeria’s cultural and media landscape.
The celebrated alumni are Tolulope Akande and Opeyemi Obasa, both of whom have already distinguished themselves during their undergraduate years at FUOYE. Akande, a recent graduate, bagged the Best Graduating Student awards both in the Department of Theatre and Media Arts and in the entire Faculty of Arts for the 2023/2024 academic session. Obasa, equally outstanding, earned the same departmental award in the 2020/2021 session, demonstrating a long-standing tradition of excellence in the program.
The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) is a continent-wide initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of African storytellers through high-quality film and television production training. Selection into the MTF Academy is highly competitive, drawing applications from across West Africa. The inclusion of Akande and Obasa is a testament not only to their individual talents and hard work but also to the robust academic and creative grooming provided by FUOYE’s Theatre and Media Arts department.
Their journey from the lecture halls of Oye-Ekiti to a pan-African creative platform underscores the importance of institutional support, mentorship, and a strong foundation in both theory and practical exposure. It also highlights the power of storytelling in shaping culture, identity, and innovation in modern Africa.
Commenting on their selection, both alumni expressed deep gratitude to their lecturers and peers who challenged and inspired them throughout their academic journeys. They acknowledged that while the road wasn’t always smooth, FUOYE gave them the skills, confidence, and resilience they now carry into the global creative space.
Akande, who is known for his excellence in directing and performance arts, is excited to refine his skills in cinematography and scriptwriting at MTF, while Obasa, whose strengths lie in screenwriting and acting, hopes to leverage the opportunity to tell authentic African stories on international platforms.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of FUOYE, Professor Olubunmi Shittu, while reacting to the news, congratulated the alumni and praised the Department of Theatre and Media Arts for consistently producing top-tier talents. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to excellence and promised to continue investing in academic programs that produce industry-ready graduates.
FUOYE’s Head of Department, Theatre and Media Arts, Dr. Mrs. Tume Tosin, noted that the department has long focused on balancing academic rigor with hands-on creative practice. She described the selection as well-deserved and as an encouragement to both current students and staff.
As word of their achievement spreads, both Akande and Obasa are being celebrated not just as products of FUOYE, but as ambassadors of Nigerian talent and creativity. Their admission into the MTF program affirms the emerging global relevance of African voices in media and entertainment.
Students and alumni across social media have since taken to celebrating the duo’s success, with many referring to them as “trailblazers” and “symbols of hope” for young creatives still navigating their path in the industry. The official FUOYE LinkedIn page has also shared the update, further boosting the university’s visibility.
The MultiChoice Talent Factory runs for 12 months and includes classroom training, hands-on film production, industry mentorship, and collaborative projects. Participants are not only trained by industry experts but are also exposed to a network of African media professionals.
In the coming months, Akande and Obasa will begin their creative immersion, joining other selected talents from Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. Their participation is expected to bring more collaborative opportunities back to FUOYE and deepen the university’s ties to international media initiatives.
This achievement places FUOYE in the spotlight once again, reinforcing its place among forward-thinking Nigerian institutions that combine academic strength with real-world creative impact. As the world watches their progress, Akande and Obasa are set to inspire a generation proving that with talent, preparation, and the right opportunities, FUOYE students can shine on any global stage.
