FG, JAMB Hail Rite Foods for Awarding ₦35 Million Scholarships to Top 2026 UTME Candidates

 FG, JAMB Hail Rite Foods for Awarding ₦35 Million Scholarships to Top 2026 UTME Candidates

The Federal Government and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have commended Rite Foods Limited for awarding ₦35 million in scholarships to seven outstanding candidates in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), describing the initiative as a significant private-sector contribution to educational development and youth empowerment in Nigeria.

The Federal Government and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have applauded Rite Foods Limited for investing ₦35 million in scholarships for seven exceptional candidates in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), describing the initiative as a model of private-sector support for education and national development.

The commendation came during the presentation of the Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards held in Lagos on Tuesday, where seven top-performing candidates, representing the six geopolitical zones and the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, each received a scholarship worth ₦5 million.

Speaking at the ceremony, 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 Nigerian-owned company can compete successfully on the global stage while making meaningful investments in the country's future through education.

The minister described the scholarship initiative, instituted in partnership with JAMB, as a clear demonstration of the company's commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting national development through education.

Also speaking, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, described the scholarship programme as worthy of emulation, noting that Rite Foods has continued to distinguish itself through innovation, excellence and corporate social responsibility.

According to Oloyede, the collaboration reflects the critical role of the private sector in complementing government efforts to improve access to quality education and reward academic excellence.

He said the scholarship scheme demonstrates how businesses can make meaningful contributions to the nation's educational advancement by investing in students who will become future leaders, innovators and problem-solvers.

The beneficiaries of the 2026 Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards 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.

Others are 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 will 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 secured admission to study Mass Communication at the University of Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Rite Foods Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Seleem Adegunwa, reaffirmed the company's commitment to youth development through education.

He said the scholarship programme goes beyond financial assistance, describing it as an investment in Nigeria's next generation of leaders by recognising excellence, inspiring ambition and empowering talented young people to realise their academic and professional aspirations.

Adegunwa stressed that education remains one of the strongest drivers of national development and noted that the initiative aligns with 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 educational journey and future career aspirations.

Beyond the scholarship initiative, Rite Foods said it remains committed to supporting education, entrepreneurship, sports development and creative talent through various programmes aimed at empowering young Nigerians.

The event also featured musical performances by Kingdom Kroseide, winner of Nigerian Idol Season 6, and Victory Gbakara, winner of Season 8 of the Rite Foods-sponsored Nigerian Idol competition, underscoring the company's broader commitment to discovering and nurturing local talent.