By JKNewsMedia
RECOGNITION FOR academic excellence earned fresh commendation as the Federal Government (FG) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) applauded Rite Foods Limited for presenting N35 million in scholarships to the seven highest performing candidates in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG).
JKNewsMedia.com reports that speaking at the scholarship presentation ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, represented by his Special Adviser, Dr Ismaila Adiatu, praised the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, Seleem Adegunwa, for demonstrating that a proudly Nigerian company can compete successfully with global brands while investing in the country’s future through education.
The minister also noted that for instituting the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards (RFNAEA) in partnership with JAMB, Adegunwa has shown that the initiative is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to nurturing young talents and supporting national development through education.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, described the scholarship initiative as worthy of emulation, stating that Rite Foods continues to distinguish itself as a company synonymous with innovation, excellence and national development.
He said the partnership reflects the private sector’s important role in complementing government efforts to improve education and reward excellence.
“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,” he said.
Each of the seven beneficiaries who received a N5 million scholarship under the RFNAEA are Okeke Chinedu Christian from the South-West, who scored 93.90% and will study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Orzekor Aondohemba Godwin from the North-Central, who scored 92% and will study Software Engineering at the Federal University of Technology (FUTech), Minna, Joshua David Chidiebere from the South-East, who scored 92% and will study Software Engineering at the Federal University of Technology (FUTech), Owerri, James Edidiong Victor from the South-South, who scored 91.75% and will study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Uyo (UNIUYO)uri, Luka Francis Miendwas from the North-West, who scored 89.50% and will study Software Engineering at the Federal University of Applied Sciences (FUAS), Kachia, Kaduna, and Ogunsua Dixon Tijesuni Michelle of the JEOG, who scored 81.2% and will study Mass Communication at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The statement notes that the awards recognise academic excellence across Nigeria while promoting inclusive access to educational opportunities through support for candidates in the JEOG.
Earlier, Adegunwa reaffirmed the company’s 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 added that the awards send a strong message to millions of young Nigerians that excellence matters, hard work is rewarded and exceptional achievement deserves recognition.
Adegunwa also said education remains one of the most powerful drivers of national development, adding that supporting it is both a corporate responsibility and a national imperative.
He said the scholarship programme is anchored on Rite Foods’ sustainability agenda, which focuses on Education, Youth Empowerment, Environmental Stewardship and Community Development.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the overall highest scoring recipient, Okeke Chinedu Christian, thanked Rite Foods for the scholarship, describing it as a significant boost to his academic aspirations.
Later, the company stated that it continues to invest in education, youth empowerment and talent development through initiatives that provide educational support, promote entrepreneurship, encourage sporting excellence and nurture creative talent across Nigeria.
A side attraction at the ceremony also featured performances by Kingdom Kroseide, winner of Nigerian Idol Season 6, and Victory Gbakara, winner of Season 8 of the Rite Foods sponsored music talent show, among others.
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