“I am still becoming. My story is still unfolding.” – Temiloluwa Adegbite
That is how Temiloluwa Adegbite, the 41st President of JCI Nigeria TASUED Chapter, describes herself—not as a finished product but as a living, learning, leading work in progress. Her journey is a reflection of strength through adversity, direction born from confusion, and leadership powered by growth, service, and vision.
Humble Beginnings and Formative Years
Born on October 24, 2004, Temiloluwa came into the world as the first child of her family—an event that changed everything for her parents. Raised with strong values of discipline and responsibility, she grew up in a home where leadership was not taught in words, but in expectations. At just three years old, she became a big sister—a role that quietly initiated her into responsibility and nurturance.
Her childhood was mobile and emotionally rich, shaped by time spent between her parents and uncle’s household. As a little girl, she discovered her love for teaching and talking. She was expressive, confident, and always ready to lead the line, both literally and figuratively. She would later describe herself as someone who wasn’t shy—just waiting for the right platform to shine.
Throughout primary school, she consistently served as class prefect, a small but telling preview of what was to come. Yet, her leadership wasn’t always comfortable. When she moved on to Model College Igbokuta for junior secondary education, life took a difficult turn. Boarding school hit hard. New environments, unfamiliar routines, cultural shifts, and harsh systems challenged her identity. But amidst it all, she learned to be independent, to speak up, and to begin owning her voice.
Trials, Transformation, and Academic Journey
Her senior secondary years at Tofek College were even more turbulent. Bullied for her spoken English, pressured to succeed in science classes that didn’t align with her strengths, and uncertain about her place, Temiloluwa entered Tofek as a version of herself the world wouldn’t recognize today. A pivotal moment came when her father demanded she switch from Science to Commercial or Humanities—a change that felt like failure but became the first step toward finding herself.
Initially, she aspired to become a pediatrician because of her love for children. But as she transitioned into the commercial department, she found unexpected confidence in accounting and business subjects. However, her world paused again in SS3 when she lost her father. Grief, confusion, and responsibility washed over her. She remembers crying when no one was watching, failing her mock exam, and growing overnight. In her words:
“I had to be strong—for my mum, for my siblings. And for myself.”
Despite everything, she graduated as Labour Prefect in 2020, holding on to the lessons her father had taught her and the quiet strength she built through pain.
A Redirection of Destiny
Post-secondary school, she aimed to study Economics Education at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). But life had other plans. Denied admission, she found herself in a season of reflection. Torn between settling and seeking purpose, she made the bold decision to reapply for a different course entirely—Guidance and Counselling.
She prayed. She trusted. And finally, in 2021—just days after her birthday—she received her admission into Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) to study Counselling Psychology and Educational Foundations. It turned out to be one of the most pivotal decisions of her life.
Finding Her Voice Through JCI
In TASUED, the first few months were directionless. Her initial plan was to “just get the degree and leave.” But during the ASUU strike, a friend’s WhatsApp status introduced her to Junior Chamber International (JCI)—a global organization that promotes leadership, active citizenship, and personal growth.
Something clicked. She researched JCI. She resonated deeply with their commitment to impact, development, and youth empowerment. As soon as the strike was over, she attended her first meeting and never looked back.
JCI became more than an extracurricular—it became her transformation engine. She attended leadership retreats, earned certifications, improved her public speaking, and connected with like-minded changemakers. She began to gather portfolios and responsibilities, even when her vision was still forming.
Leadership Legacy and Spotlight Worthy Impact
Since then, Temiloluwa’s leadership has followed a powerful trajectory:
Director of Welfare, JCIN TASUED (2023) Vice President, JCIN TASUED (2024) President, JCIN TASUED (2025) Head of Class, GCP/SOS ‘25 Student Representative in the Legislative Arm since Year 3
As President of JCIN TASUED, she has spearheaded community projects, hosted empowering programs, judged contests, moderated panels, and mentored dozens of students. Her leadership is grounded in empathy, excellence, and elevation—ensuring every voice is heard, and every student has a chance to grow.
Her personal brand is shaped by integrity, service, and intentional growth. She isn’t just active—she’s impactful. She doesn’t just hold positions—she delivers value. She doesn’t just tell her story—she uses it to light the path for others.
Her Philosophy
Temiloluwa believes that life doesn’t always offer clarity, but it offers growth. Her journey is proof that failure, confusion, and pain are not the end—they’re chapters in becoming.
“To every young person like me: Stay consistent. It’s okay to not have it all figured out. You are who you believe you are. Let your thoughts be your engine, not other people’s opinions.”
Now, as a proud graduate of the Class of 2025, she stands not just as a product of TASUED, but as a promise of what’s possible when leadership meets authenticity.
