The Federal Government and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB have commended Rite Foods Limited for awarding N35 million in scholarships to the seven highest-performing candidates in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.
The scholarships, presented under the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards, were awarded to the top-performing candidates from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, with each beneficiary receiving N5 million.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Lagos, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, represented by his Special Adviser, Ismaila Adiatu, praised the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods, Seleem Adegunwa, for demonstrating that a Nigerian-owned company can successfully compete globally while investing in the country’s future through education.
The minister described the scholarship programme, instituted in partnership with JAMB, as a significant contribution to talent development and national growth.
He said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence and supporting young Nigerians to realise their potential.
Also speaking, the Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, described the scholarship scheme as a model worthy of emulation by other corporate organisations.
According to him, the partnership demonstrates the critical role of the private sector in complementing government efforts to improve education and reward outstanding academic performance.
“This partnership with Rite Foods, through which seven outstanding UTME candidates are receiving N35 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.
The scholarship recipients include Okeke Chinedu Christian from the South-West, who scored 93.90 per cent and gained admission to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos; Orzekor Aondohemba Godwin from the North-Central, admitted to study Software Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Minna; Joshua David Chidiebere from the South-East, admitted to study Software Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
Others are James Edidiong Victor from the South-South, admitted to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Uyo; Vincent Daniel from the North-East, admitted to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Maiduguri; Luka Francis Miendwas from the North-West, admitted to study Software Engineering at the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia; and Ogunsua-Dixon Tijesuni Michelle, who will study Mass Communication at the University of Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Adegunwa said the scholarship initiative reflects 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 added that education remains one of the most important drivers of national development and noted that the scholarship programme aligns with the company’s sustainability agenda, which focuses on education, youth empowerment, environmental stewardship and community development.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Okeke expressed appreciation to Rite Foods, describing the scholarship as a major boost to his academic aspirations.
The ceremony also featured performances by Kingdom Kroseide and Victory Gbakara, underscoring Rite Foods’ broader commitment to promoting education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, sports and creative talent development across Nigeria.
