FG, JAMB Commend Rite Foods for ₦35m Scholarships to Top UTME Candidates

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

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 commendation came on Tuesday during the presentation of the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards in Lagos, where seven outstanding candidates representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group each received ₦5 million scholarships.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, represented by his Special Adviser, Dr. Ismaila Adiatu, praised the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods Limited, Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, for demonstrating that a Nigerian company can compete with global brands while making meaningful contributions to national development through education.

The minister described the scholarship scheme, instituted in partnership with JAMB, as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to nurturing young talents and supporting the country’s educational advancement.

Also speaking, the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, described the initiative as worthy of emulation, saying it highlights the vital role of the private sector in complementing government efforts to improve education and reward academic excellence.

He said, “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.”

The beneficiaries include 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 (Software Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna); Joshua David Chidiebere from the South-East (Software Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri); James Edidiong Victor from the South-South (Medicine and Surgery, University of Uyo); Vincent Daniel from the North-East (Medicine and Surgery, University of Maiduguri); Luka Francis Miendwas from the North-West (Software Engineering, Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna); and Ogunsua-Dixon Tijesuni Michelle, representing the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, who will study Mass Communication at the University of Lagos.

In his remarks, Adegunwa reaffirmed Rite Foods’ commitment to youth development and nation-building through education, describing the scholarship programme as an investment in the country’s future.

“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 strongest drivers of national development, noting that the scholarship programme 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 best-performing candidate, Okeke Chinedu Christian, thanked Rite Foods for the scholarship, describing it as a major encouragement towards achieving his academic and career goals.

The event also featured musical performances by Nigerian Idol Season 6 winner, Kingdom Kroseide, and Season 8 winner, Victory Gbakara, underscoring the company’s continued support for youth development and talent discovery.