By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Government and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have commended Rite Foods Limited for awarding ₦35 million in scholarships to the seven highest-performing candidates in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), describing the initiative as a significant investment in education and youth development.
The scholarships, presented during a ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, were awarded to the best-performing candidates from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group under the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards.
Representing the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, at the event, the Minister’s Special Adviser, Dr. Ismaila Adiatu, praised the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, Seleem Adegunwa, for demonstrating that a Nigerian company can compete globally while making meaningful contributions to national development through education.
He described the scholarship programme, implemented in partnership with JAMB, as a testament to the company’s commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting academic excellence.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, also lauded the initiative, describing it as a model worthy of emulation by other private sector organisations.
According to him, the partnership highlights the critical role of the private sector in complementing government efforts to strengthen education and reward outstanding academic performance.
“This partnership with Rite Foods, through which seven outstanding UTME candidates are receiving ₦35 million in scholarships, demonstrates how the private sector can contribute meaningfully to educational advancement. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, innovators and problem-solvers, and together we are investing in a brighter future for Nigeria,” Oloyede said.
Each beneficiary received a ₦5 million scholarship. The recipients are Okeke Chinedu Christian from the South-West, who scored 93.90 per cent and will study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos; Orzekor Aondohemba Godwin from the North-Central, who scored 92 per cent and gained admission to study Software Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Minna; Joshua David Chidiebere from the South-East, who also scored 92 per cent and will study Software Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri; James Edidiong Victor from the South-South, who scored 91.75 per cent and will study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Uyo; Vincent Daniel from the North-East, who scored 89.72 per cent and will study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Maiduguri; Luka Francis Miendwas from the North-West, who scored 89.50 per cent and gained admission to study Software Engineering at the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna; and Ogunsua-Dixon Tijesuni Michelle, representing the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, who scored 81.2 per cent and will study Mass Communication at the University of Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Adegunwa reaffirmed Rite Foods’ commitment to youth development and nation-building through education.
“At Rite Foods, we believe the quality of our young people will define Nigeria’s future. This initiative is more than a scholarship programme; it is an investment in the next generation by recognising excellence, inspiring ambition and empowering future leaders, innovators and professionals,” he said.
He noted that the initiative sends a strong message that hard work and excellence are recognised and rewarded, adding that education remains one of the most effective drivers of national development.
Adegunwa explained that the scholarship scheme forms part of the company’s sustainability agenda, which focuses on Education, Youth Empowerment, Environmental Stewardship and Community Development (EYCE).
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the overall highest-scoring candidate, Okeke Chinedu Christian, expressed appreciation to Rite Foods for the scholarship, describing it as a major boost to his academic aspirations.
Beyond the scholarship programme, Rite Foods said it remains committed to supporting education, youth empowerment and talent development through initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, sports and creative excellence across Nigeria.
The event also featured performances by Nigerian Idol Season 6 winner Kingdom Kroseide and Victory Gbakara, winner of Season 8 of the Rite Foods-sponsored music talent competition, underscoring the company’s commitment to discovering and nurturing Nigerian talent.Copyright TRUSTAFRICA NEWS.
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